THEME OF THE WEEK: THE ART OF INFLUENCE
The most influential people aren't always the loudest in the room—they're the ones who inspire others to move.
Influence isn't about dominating conversations, winning every argument, or forcing agreement. It's about building trust, creating connection, and helping people see new possibilities.
This week, challenge yourself to influence through intention.
Before your next meeting, presentation, or conversation, ask yourself:
> "Am I trying to prove I'm right, or am I trying to create understanding?"
Small shifts create lasting impact.
Remember: The strongest voices don't overpower people—they move them.
💬 How do you positively influence the people around you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
#AddisAgora #ArtOfInfluence #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth #AddisAbaba
The most influential people aren't always the loudest in the room—they're the ones who inspire others to move.
Influence isn't about dominating conversations, winning every argument, or forcing agreement. It's about building trust, creating connection, and helping people see new possibilities.
This week, challenge yourself to influence through intention.
Before your next meeting, presentation, or conversation, ask yourself:
> "Am I trying to prove I'm right, or am I trying to create understanding?"
Small shifts create lasting impact.
Remember: The strongest voices don't overpower people—they move them.
💬 How do you positively influence the people around you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
#AddisAgora #ArtOfInfluence #PublicSpeaking #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth #AddisAbaba
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WORD OF THE WEEK: AFFABLE
Meaning: Friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to.
Synonyms: Friendly, Cordial, Amiable
Antonyms: Unfriendly, Aloof, Surly
THE VOCABULARY UPGRADE
❌ Instead of:
"The new member was really nice and easy to talk to."
✅ Upgrade:
"The new member was incredibly affable, making everyone feel comfortable from the moment they arrived."
Impact: Using affable instead of generic words like nice or friendly makes your communication sound more polished, expressive, and emotionally intelligent. It's the kind of vocabulary that leaves a stronger impression in professional conversations, networking events, interviews, and public speaking.
Meaning: Friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to.
Synonyms: Friendly, Cordial, Amiable
Antonyms: Unfriendly, Aloof, Surly
THE VOCABULARY UPGRADE
❌ Instead of:
"The new member was really nice and easy to talk to."
✅ Upgrade:
"The new member was incredibly affable, making everyone feel comfortable from the moment they arrived."
Impact: Using affable instead of generic words like nice or friendly makes your communication sound more polished, expressive, and emotionally intelligent. It's the kind of vocabulary that leaves a stronger impression in professional conversations, networking events, interviews, and public speaking.
SKILL IN FOCUS: THE POWER OF PRESENCE
Ever noticed how some speakers command attention before they even say a word?
Your audience begins forming an impression long before your first sentence. Your posture, eye contact, and composure communicate confidence before your voice does.
Here's how to strengthen your presence:
🎯 Plant – Stand with both feet grounded and maintain an open posture.
🎯 Pause – Take a deliberate two-second pause before you begin.
🎯 Connect – Make eye contact with one person at a time.
🎯 Project – Speak with intention, not speed. Let your words land.
Remember: A confident presence doesn't demand attention—it earns it.
Which of these four will you focus on this week? 👇
#AddisAgora #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Leadership #Confidence #PublicSpeakingTips #PersonalGrowth
Ever noticed how some speakers command attention before they even say a word?
Your audience begins forming an impression long before your first sentence. Your posture, eye contact, and composure communicate confidence before your voice does.
Here's how to strengthen your presence:
🎯 Plant – Stand with both feet grounded and maintain an open posture.
🎯 Pause – Take a deliberate two-second pause before you begin.
🎯 Connect – Make eye contact with one person at a time.
🎯 Project – Speak with intention, not speed. Let your words land.
Remember: A confident presence doesn't demand attention—it earns it.
Which of these four will you focus on this week? 👇
#AddisAgora #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Leadership #Confidence #PublicSpeakingTips #PersonalGrowth
FRIDAY SESSION: THE ART OF INFLUENCE
The ability to influence isn't reserved for leaders or public figures—it's a skill anyone can develop.
Every conversation, presentation, interview, and meeting is an opportunity to inspire confidence, build trust, and move people toward action.
This Friday, join Addis Agora as we explore The Art of Influence through prepared speeches, Hot Questions, and constructive evaluations designed to sharpen your communication skills.
🗓 Meeting Details
📅 Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM onwards (Networking starts at 5:45 PM)
📍 Venue: ALX-Capstone Tech Hub, Lideta
🎟 Investment: Completely Free
Whether you're stepping onto the stage for the first time or refining your leadership presence, this session is for you.
Come ready to learn, speak, connect, and influence.
#AddisAgora #PublicSpeaking #ArtOfInfluence #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #AddisAbaba
The ability to influence isn't reserved for leaders or public figures—it's a skill anyone can develop.
Every conversation, presentation, interview, and meeting is an opportunity to inspire confidence, build trust, and move people toward action.
This Friday, join Addis Agora as we explore The Art of Influence through prepared speeches, Hot Questions, and constructive evaluations designed to sharpen your communication skills.
🗓 Meeting Details
📅 Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM onwards (Networking starts at 5:45 PM)
📍 Venue: ALX-Capstone Tech Hub, Lideta
🎟 Investment: Completely Free
Whether you're stepping onto the stage for the first time or refining your leadership presence, this session is for you.
Come ready to learn, speak, connect, and influence.
#AddisAgora #PublicSpeaking #ArtOfInfluence #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #AddisAbaba
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Who's joining us this Friday?
Whether you're delivering a speech, taking on a meeting role, or attending as a guest, we'd love to know who's coming!
Will we see you this Friday?
Whether you're delivering a speech, taking on a meeting role, or attending as a guest, we'd love to know who's coming!
Will we see you this Friday?
Anonymous Poll
86%
Absolutely, I'll be there
5%
I'm Bringing a Friend
5%
Maybe... Convince me
5%
Can't Make it this week
📢 COUNTDOWN TO TONIGHT: SEE YOU AT 6:00 PM!
Tonight's the night!
Whether you're speaking, taking on a meeting role, or joining as a guest, Our Weekly Session is your opportunity to practice, connect, and grow in a supportive community.
💬 Running late or have a question? Drop a message in our Telegram group—we're happy to help.
Ready for What's Next?
Applications for next week's meeting roles are now open! Keep your growth going by taking on a role and continue your learning journey at:
🌐 addisagora.yemaros.com/hub
See you this evening—let's learn, speak, and influence together!
Tonight's the night!
Whether you're speaking, taking on a meeting role, or joining as a guest, Our Weekly Session is your opportunity to practice, connect, and grow in a supportive community.
💬 Running late or have a question? Drop a message in our Telegram group—we're happy to help.
Ready for What's Next?
Applications for next week's meeting roles are now open! Keep your growth going by taking on a role and continue your learning journey at:
🌐 addisagora.yemaros.com/hub
See you this evening—let's learn, speak, and influence together!
Happening NOW! 🎙️ > We’re live at the ALX Capstone Tech Hub for today’s session! Leaders are stepping up to the mic, mastering public speaking, and taking their communication to the next level.
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SESSION 252 RECAP: THE ART OF INFLUENCE 🎤
What a powerful evening at Addis Agora! The room was filled with ideas, courageous speakers, thoughtful questions, and real growth.
💡 3 lessons we’re taking with us:
1️⃣ Influence starts with connection.
People listen when they feel seen and understood.
2️⃣ Presence shapes your message.
Your posture, confidence, tone, and composure speak before your words do.
3️⃣ Influence is about impact, not control.
You can't force people to agree—but you can communicate in a way that builds trust and moves people.
A huge thank you to our Meeting Leader Abel Sium, General Evaluator Eyob Samuel, Hot Question Master Abenezer Kifle, and everyone who stepped up and participated. 🙌
#AddisAgora #Session252 #PublicSpeaking #ArtOfInfluence #CommunicationSkills
What a powerful evening at Addis Agora! The room was filled with ideas, courageous speakers, thoughtful questions, and real growth.
💡 3 lessons we’re taking with us:
1️⃣ Influence starts with connection.
People listen when they feel seen and understood.
2️⃣ Presence shapes your message.
Your posture, confidence, tone, and composure speak before your words do.
3️⃣ Influence is about impact, not control.
You can't force people to agree—but you can communicate in a way that builds trust and moves people.
A huge thank you to our Meeting Leader Abel Sium, General Evaluator Eyob Samuel, Hot Question Master Abenezer Kifle, and everyone who stepped up and participated. 🙌
#AddisAgora #Session252 #PublicSpeaking #ArtOfInfluence #CommunicationSkills
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AGORA SPOTLIGHT: MEET DEREJE SEIFU
Growth begins when you choose to show up—even when you're afraid.
This week, we're spotlighting Dereje Seifu, a Software Engineer, whose first experience on the Agora stage taught him that confidence comes from taking action.
🎤 MINI INTERVIEW
Q: What was your first experience like?
"Honestly, pure fear! I was so nervous and thought, 'I can't do this.' But I took a breath, spoke anyway, and realized I could actually pull it off."
Q: Biggest lesson?
"Just show up and try, even when you're scared of making mistakes. Making mistakes is totally fine—and it's how you beat fear."
Q: Advice for someone hesitant to step up?
"Don't overthink it. Just take that first step and show up. Once you're there, you'll see it's much easier and friendlier than you imagined."
🔥 Celebrate Dereje and tell us: What's one thing you've been afraid to try?
#AddisAgora #AgoraSpotlight #PublicSpeaking #Growth #Confidence #Leadership
Growth begins when you choose to show up—even when you're afraid.
This week, we're spotlighting Dereje Seifu, a Software Engineer, whose first experience on the Agora stage taught him that confidence comes from taking action.
🎤 MINI INTERVIEW
Q: What was your first experience like?
"Honestly, pure fear! I was so nervous and thought, 'I can't do this.' But I took a breath, spoke anyway, and realized I could actually pull it off."
Q: Biggest lesson?
"Just show up and try, even when you're scared of making mistakes. Making mistakes is totally fine—and it's how you beat fear."
Q: Advice for someone hesitant to step up?
"Don't overthink it. Just take that first step and show up. Once you're there, you'll see it's much easier and friendlier than you imagined."
🔥 Celebrate Dereje and tell us: What's one thing you've been afraid to try?
#AddisAgora #AgoraSpotlight #PublicSpeaking #Growth #Confidence #Leadership
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🎤 MISSED LAST FRIDAY? 👀
Beakal thought his Ethiopian DNA would carry him through his first run. Then an old man casually passed him with a “Berta Wetatu” and disappeared into the distance. 😂
Here's a little taste of what you missed at Session 252.
🎬 Watch the full speech:
Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
👇 https://youtu.be/dkH1qHNfiP4
Next Friday, don't miss out. 👀
Beakal thought his Ethiopian DNA would carry him through his first run. Then an old man casually passed him with a “Berta Wetatu” and disappeared into the distance. 😂
Here's a little taste of what you missed at Session 252.
🎬 Watch the full speech:
Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
👇 https://youtu.be/dkH1qHNfiP4
Next Friday, don't miss out. 👀
YouTube
Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner | Addis Agora Speech
What happens when your ego tells you that you should be good at something before you've even started?
In this entertaining and relatable speech, an overconfident attempt at running turns into a lesson about perfectionism, failure, and the courage to be a…
In this entertaining and relatable speech, an overconfident attempt at running turns into a lesson about perfectionism, failure, and the courage to be a…
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