The power of conversation | Afomiya Dejene | TEDxSioux Falls

About this video

In a culture defined by "high-definition exhaustion," we often prioritize the speed of a transaction over the depth of a connection. Drawing on her Ethiopian heritage, Afomiya Dejene explores the "slow brew"—a cultural framework of intentionality—as a vital tool for navigating modern human interaction. Dejene argues that the most effective way to dismantle bias and bridge societal divides is through the restorative power of genuine presence. By moving beyond surface-level exchanges and embracing the patience required for real dialogue, we can transform potentially divisive moments into opportunities for mutual understanding. This talk is a call to reclaim conversation not just as a means of communication, but as a deliberate act of seeing and being seen. Afomiya Dejene was born in Ethiopia, Africa, and immigrated to the United States at the age of four with her parents and older sister. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Afomiya is now a student at the University of South Dakota pursuing a major in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology on a Pre-Law track. Passionate about law and community, she hopes to use her future legal career to encourage thoughtful conversation in politics and everyday life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx