Shadowing Practice: Elon Musk Motivation - TAKE RISKS NOW | Elon Musk Motivational Video | 1 Minute Motivation - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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I think I had 30 or 40 years after 2008.
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21 sentences
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I think I had 30 or 40 years after 2008.
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I had two choices.
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I could put it all into one company, and then the other company would definitely die, or split it between the two companies.
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But if I split it between the two companies, then both might die.
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When you're building something new, there's going to be mistakes, and it's important to to recognize those mistakes, acknowledge them and take corrective action.
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And the success of a company is very much more about how quick are you to fix the mistakes, not will you make mistakes.
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You need to work super hard.
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So what does super hard mean?
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I had just one computer, so the website was up during the day and I was coding at night.
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Seven days a week, all the time.
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If other people are putting in 40 hour work weeks and you're putting in 100 hour work weeks, then even if you're doing the same thing,
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you know that in one year you will achieve what they achieve.
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You will achieve in four months what it takes them a year to achieve.
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And then just work like hell.
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All those things improve the other's success.
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I actually just don't care about hope or enthusiasm, motivation.
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I just give it everything I've got irrespective of what the circumstances may be.
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Now is the time to take risks.
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You don't have kids, so now is the time to do that before you have those obligations.
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So I would encourage you to take risks now, do something bold.
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You won't regret it.

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Why practice speaking with this video?

This motivational video featuring Elon Musk offers a wealth of phrases and expressions that are incredibly beneficial for english speaking practice. By shadow speaking along with Musk's insights, you can improve not only your vocabulary but also your pronunciation and intonation. The context of his discussion—taking risks and working hard—provides a relatable and inspiring backdrop for learners. Engaging with this content allows you to practice speaking in a manner that reflects determination and ambition, crucial qualities in effective communication.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

In this video, several key structures exemplify everyday English usage, which can enhance your speaking skills:

  • "You're going to make mistakes": This phrase uses the future tense, indicating certainty about future events. Practicing similar constructions can help you convey confidence in your statements.
  • "I just give it everything I've got": This expression uses the adjective "everything" for emphasis. It's a great way to talk about commitment and effort, both key components of personal motivation.
  • "You won’t regret it": This simple future tense structure can be used widely in various contexts, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.
  • "Work super hard": The use of "super" as an intensifier emphasizes the importance of hard work. Learning to use modifiers effectively can enhance your descriptions and arguments.
  • "Now is the time to take risks": This phrase encourages immediate action, using the present tense to underline urgency, which is vital for persuasive speaking.

Common Pronunciation Traps

When engaging with the video content, pay attention to specific words and phrases that may present challenges:

  • "Risks": This word can be tricky, particularly with the ending 's.' Notice how Musk emphasizes the sharpness of this sound, which is crucial for clarity.
  • "Company": The pronunciation of this term can vary; try to mimic his accent and cadence to master the subtle nuances.
  • "Mistakes": Pay attention to the way this is enunciated. Ensure you practice the 'k' sound and the trailing 's' to avoid blending it with the preceding syllable.

Integrating these elements into your own shadow speech practice not only aids in mastering pronunciation but also builds confidence in real-life conversations. Utilizing this motivational content can enhance your learning experience, making it more engaging and effective.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

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