Pratique du Shadowing: How to make small talk so fun, it's hard to end the conversation - Apprendre l'anglais à l'oral avec YouTube
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So, you want to learn how to talk to anyone, anywhere, at any time, and remove that damn awkward silence.
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So, you want to learn how to talk to anyone, anywhere, at any time, and remove that damn awkward silence.
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Ah, first you need to understand the three question rule.
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Wait, come back, come back.
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Before even thinking about going to talk to anyone else, you have to work on your mindset when approaching new conversations.
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So ask yourself these questions before you do so.
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What's the worst that will happen?
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Will I see this person ever again?
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And will I regret not doing this in a few hours?
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Now what you'll realise is you're actually the worst enemy when it comes to starting a new conversation
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because you approach it in the complete wrong way.
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Take a conversation with the opposite sex for example.
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It's so hard to do because you put them on a pedestal and try to talk to them like they're not human.
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Wow, you're beautiful.
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Um, wow.
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Now this is because you're trying to get something out of the conversation for yourself, whether that's someone's number, take them on a date, or just simply get them to like you.
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So instead scrap the idea of benefiting anything from this conversation and just connect with them like a human being.
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Because what you'll realise is
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that you have more in common with a human being than you do a blonde girl
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that you might fancy and want their number.
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Let's be real.
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Number two, understand that you are not socially anxious.
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You just haven't learned the skill of talking to new people and that's okay because that's what you're here for.
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Number three, conversations are like taps.
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You want to keep that tap flowing for as long as you need otherwise you will ruin the entire conversation.
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You look nice.
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Guess what the other person is about to say.
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Thanks.
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Ah, the convo's dead way too soon because you asked a closed question.
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So instead, ask open questions that don't allow that water to stop flowing.
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So how do you usually spend your weekends?
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You know, I like to, uh...
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Ah, look at that, conversation started.
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Number four, use your surroundings as an advantage.
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Whether you're trying to talk to somebody at a wedding, a party, or just simply a walk, look around you, embrace your environment, and identify a couple talking points.
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See that hill over there?
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What do you say we climb it?
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Come on.
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Oh, conversation started.
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Number five, be emotional.
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No, not like that.
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You don't have to cry.
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Don't worry.
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Many people always tell you to make the conversation about the other person, or find things you have in common right away.
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But they're missing a huge part out.
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Emotion.
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Let me explain.
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You could have completely different jobs, hobbies, and still be great friends with somebody.
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Because what matters more in conversations is connecting on an emotional level.
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So rather than questioning about the boring...
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Hey, excuse me?
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What do you bench?
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Questions, all the...
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So how much do you squat then?
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Ask them what made them start going to the gym in the first place.
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Or who their biggest inspirations were to begin their fitness journey.
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Even if you don't like fitness, these questions actually show that you care about the person you're talking to
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and want to get to know them on a deeper level.
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And trust me, they'll understand that and feel that from you as well.
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Because people often forget names, conversations or events, but they'll always remember how they felt around you.
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Number six, finally change your perspective.
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Instead of thinking, what if they don't like me?
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Ask yourself, will I like them?
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This mindset shift has helped me so much in a job interview environment where I'm
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so used to being worried about them liking me that I forget
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that they also want you to like what they have to offer at the company.
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So thinking like this puts you in control, allowing you to be more curious rather than insecure.
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Because your opinion is just as important as everybody else's.
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So if ever you find yourself approaching someone new and you're afraid, just remember you're one conversation away from completely changing your life.
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Thank you very much.
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Have a good day.
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And start talking to new people.
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Why This Video Is Perfect for English Speaking Practice
This video isn’t just about small talk—it’s a goldmine for learning natural, conversational English. The dialogue flows like real life, with casual phrases, pauses, and relatable scenarios that mirror how native speakers actually chat. Whether you’re nervous about starting conversations or want to sound more fluent, the tips here are practical and easy to mimic. Plus, the focus on emotion and environment makes it ideal for shadow speak practice—you’ll learn to match tone, rhythm, and even body language as you repeat the lines.
Breaking Down Natural English Phrases
Let’s look at a few key lines that sound authentic and why they work:
- “What’s the worst that will happen? Will I see this person ever again?” These questions are short, direct, and use everyday vocabulary. Native speakers often use rhetorical questions to calm nerves, so repeating them helps you sound more natural.
- “Conversations are like taps. You want to keep that tap flowing.” This metaphor is simple and vivid. Using analogies like this makes your speech more engaging, and practicing it with shadow speech helps you nail the intonation that emphasizes the comparison.
- “See that hill over there? What do you say we climb it?” This line uses the environment to start a chat, which is a common tactic. The casual “what do you say” is a great phrase to learn—it’s friendly and invites the other person to join in.
A Simple Shadowing Routine to Try
To turn these tips into fluency, try this shadowing practice loop (no app needed, but a shadowing app can help track progress):
- Watch a 30-second clip of the video, focusing on the speaker’s tone and rhythm.
- Hit pause, then repeat the clip out loud, trying to match the speed, stress, and pauses. This helps improve English pronunciation and flow.
- Record yourself, then compare it to the original. Notice where you rushed or missed a casual phrase (like “come on” or “let me explain”).
- Repeat with a new clip, focusing on emotional words—like “wow” or “don’t worry”—to practice conveying feeling, not just words.
By focusing on these elements, you’ll not only learn to start conversations but also sound like a confident, natural speaker.
Qu'est-ce que la technique du Shadowing ?
Le Shadowing est une technique d'apprentissage des langues fondée sur la science, développée à l'origine pour la formation des interprètes professionnels. Le principe est simple mais puissant : vous écoutez de l'anglais natif et le répétez immédiatement à voix haute — comme une ombre suivant le locuteur avec un décalage de 1 à 2 secondes. Les recherches montrent une amélioration significative de la précision de la prononciation, de l'intonation, du rythme, des liaisons, de la compréhension orale et de la fluidité.