Shadowing Practice: Learn English with SUITS — The First Episode - Learn English Speaking with Video

Hi, I'm Izzy, your real-life English fluency coach, and today we'll learn advanced English with another scene from what's

considered by many people the best pilot episode of a TV show of all time.

We're back with Suits and the badass lawyer Harvey Spector in the very first scene he appears.

Now this lesson is absolutely packed with useful expressions for you to add to your own vocabulary, and as always, you'll have a lot of fun along the way.

So here's what you need to know.

Gerald Tate, this man, is a client at Harvey's law firm.

He hired them to help with a company acquisition.

That's when one company buys another company and they merge into one.

The deal was going smoothly when Harvey left the office at 7pm, but now, late at night, Harvey gets called back because everything's falling apart.

So let's see what went wrong.

I'm paying you millions.

And you're telling me I'm gonna get screwed?

Jessica, have I come in at a bad time?

Gerald.

This is Harvey Specter.

He's our best closer.

Well, if you're the best closer, where the hell have you been for the last three hours?

Well, Gerald, I specialize in troubled situations.

And when I left here at 7 p.m., this deal wasn't in jeopardy.

So I'm just trying to figure out what happened in the interim.

We keep offering more money, they keep rejecting it.

It's last-minute bad faith bullshit.

Alright, in this lesson we're gonna walk through the entire scene part by part.

We just watched the first part and so now we're gonna break down the advanced vocabulary we just saw.

So right from the first line we can hear an interesting word Gerald uses.

I'm paying you millions and you're telling me I'm gonna get screwed?

When someone gets screwed in business, they end up with a bad deal.

Maybe they lose money or things don't work out the way they expected.

Like if you get screwed by a car salesman because you paid too much or the car broke down right away.

You can use this informal expression in other contexts too.

It basically means to be cheated or treated unfairly.

See this other example.

Revenue projections down and down.

I think we got screwed.

Yeah, me too.

Massive fuck up Ken, huge.

So this is when Harvey enters.

Let's see how Jessica introduces him.

Jessica, have I come in a bad time?

Gerald, this is Harvey Specter.

He's our best closer.

In business, a closer is someone who's skilled at getting deals done.

In other words, good at closing deals, which is a common collocation you'll hear with the word deal.

So this person should make sure agreements actually happen, they should know how to handle objections, navigate problems, and push things through to completion.

So Harvey isn't so happy to be called back into the office.

Let's see what he has to say.

Well, Gerald, I specialize in troubled situations.

When I left here at 7pm, this deal wasn't in jeopardy, so I'm just trying to figure out what happened in the interim.

When something is in jeopardy, it's at risk, or in danger of failing.

For example, in the show, Mike Ross is a lawyer who never attended law school, and this secret keeps his job at the firm in jeopardy.

And by the way, pay attention to the pronunciation.

It's not jail party, but rather jeopardy.

Jeopardy.

When I left here at 7pm, this deal wasn't in jeopardy.

It wasn't in jeopardy.

Next, Harvey says that he's just trying to understand, or to figure out, what happened between the time he left and came back.

That's what the expression in the interim means, the time period between two events.

It's pretty formal though, so you could also say in the meantime.

Check out this example.

Dylan G's waffle party will commence at close of day.

In the meantime, I've ordered the pre-waffle party egg bar social for everyone.

I'm just trying to figure out what happened in the interim.

In the interim.

And the pronunciation of the expression, in an interim, which is how Harvey said it, is also worth looking into.

Basically, the T sound in the words the and interim get dropped.

And we get this beautiful example of connected speech over the three words.

In the becomes in a.

Interim becomes interim.

So what we hear is in a interim.

In a interim.

Now I want to hear you practice it.

Repeat after Harvey.

So I'm just trying to figure out what happened in the interim.

We keep offering more money, they keep rejecting it.

It's last minute bad faith bullshit.

Jared uses three expressions here that show just how frustrated he is.

First, last minute means happening at the very end, right before a deadline.

Last minute changes are especially annoying because there is no time to prepare.

Bad faith is when someone is being dishonest or not keeping the word.

If you negotiate in bad faith, you're pretending to be fair, but you're actually trying to trick the other person.

And bullshit is a vocal word for nonsense or lies.

When someone calls something bullshit, they're saying it's completely false or unfair.

Now let's watch the next part of the scene and see what other expressions we can catch. in the goddamn interim.

What are you gonna do about it?

Because he's not getting that title.

Okay, so back to the scene, it seems Harvey just spotted a problem.

Mr. Cooper is the founder of the company Gerald is buying.

And as a part of the deal, Cooper was supposed to get an honorary vice president title.

It says here that Cooper won't be staying on as honorary vice president.

That's right, I don't want him around.

An honorary position is one that's given as an honor or sign of respect, not because the person actually does the work.

Think of it like an honorary degree from a university.

It's given to someone who hasn't attended classes but has achieved something impressive.

Like Oprah Winfrey who holds an honorary doctor of humane letters from Harvard University for her media career in philanthropy.

So Cooper's title would be purely ceremonial with no real powers or responsibilities.

But Gerald doesn't want him around.

This simply means that he doesn't want Cooper to be present or involved in any way.

He wouldn't be around.

It's an honorary position.

100

I don't give a shit.

101

This is a vulgar way of saying, I don't care at all.

102

And you may also hear, I don't give a damn, or even the more vulgar, I don't give a fuck.

103

But these are extremely informal and actually quite rude, so you probably want to stick with the simple, I don't care, which won't sound as rude.

104

Well, I think you do because that's what's changed since I left, which means it's you who's been dealing in bad faith.

105

Well, now that you've got a grasp on what's happened in the goddamn interim, what are you going to do about it?

106

When you've got a grasp on something, you understand it.

107

You figure it out.

108

See this example.

109

I would have nominated you for Secretary of Treasury

110

because your expertise in economics is even better than your grasp on foreign affairs.

111

Well, now that you've got a grasp on what's happened in the goddamn interim, what are you going to do about it?

112

What are you going to do about it?

113

Alright, another nice connected speech pattern for us to look into.

114

This time it's a classic.

115

Did you listen to the way he said the words, what are you?

116

Natives often do this, so three things are happening here.

117

Number one, the T in what turns into an American T, which sounds like a fast D sound.

118

It's the sound you hear in the word water, instead of water with a strong T.

119

Number two, the word R gets dropped.

120

And number three, the word you turns into ya.

121

So put all that together and we get what ya?

122

What are you gonna do about it?

123

Let's try to repeat.

124

Well now that you've got a grasp on what's happened in the goddamn interim, what are you gonna do about it?

125

What are you gonna do about it?

126

Alright, let's keep going with the scene.

127

Well, let me make sure I understand this, okay?

128

We negotiated a deal that gave you everything you wanted, Mr. Cooper signed it, and now you won't close until we take away the last shred of his dignity?

129

Such a rich phrase, right?

130

Let's break it down.

131

Harvey's saying that Gerald is taking from Mr. Cooper the last piece of his dignity, of self-respect he has left from his legacy, the company he founded.

132

Gerald is basically humiliating Cooper just because he can.

133

And now you won't close until we take away the last shred of his dignity?

134

Bingo.

135

Bingo is a way of saying exactly or you got it.

136

It comes from the game bingo where you shout bingo when you win.

137

In conversation, it means the other person has understood you correctly or hit the nail on the head.

138

By the way, that's another expression you could use.

139

Oh right, so she told Joellen who told Nick.

140

Yeah, you hit the nail on the head.

141

Well, that's not gonna happen.

142

Why the hell not?

143

Because I like Mr. Cooper and my firm doesn't operate in bad faith.

144

Oh, I see how it is.

145

Instead of working Cooper, you're working me.

146

In this context, to work someone means to try to manipulate them, usually using psychology or pressure tactics.

147

When Gerald says, instead of working Cooper, you're working me, he's accusing Harvey of manipulating and putting pressure on him who is actually his client, not Cooper.

148

So he follows with this insult.

149

Why don't you take your pansy attitude back in there and make him sign my deal?

150

Or I'll pay someone else your money to do it for me.

151

Pansy is an insulting term that suggests someone is weak, and is often used to question their masculinity or courage.

152

Gerald is going quite low here with his words, but Harvey's about to shut him down completely.

153

Let's watch.

154

which gave you everything you wanted, our fee was due and payable,

155

which is why at 730 I received confirmation of a wire transfer from escrow indicating payment in full.

156

Second, the way our agreement works is the minute Cooper signed the deal which gave you everything you wanted, our fee was due and payable.

157

Now Harvey drops the hammer.

158

If you hear that a fee is due and payable, that means payment is owed right now and must be paid immediately.

159

Our fee was due and payable, which is why at 730, I received confirmation of a wire transfer from escrow indicating payment in full.

160

And a wire transfer is a bank transfer.

161

It's the traditional kind of electronic payment sent directly from one bank account to another.

162

Escrow is a neutral site in a deal that holds the money during a transaction.

163

Think of it like a referee in basketball or football.

164

They hold the payment until all the conditions of the deal are met, then release it.

165

If you're buying a house, for example, escrow holds your initial payment until all the paperwork is complete.

166

So I'd say the ball is in your court, but the truth is your balls are in my fist.

167

When you say the ball is in your court, you mean it's the other person's turn to make decision or take action.

168

It comes from tennis.

169

When the ball is on your side of the court you have to hit it back.

170

In conversation it means the responsibility is now yours.

171

How'd it go?

172

Did you talk to Danny?

173

Nah, I just left him a very heartfelt message.

174

Balls in his court.

175

Good for you.

176

I'm proud of you.

177

But then Harvey says something even stronger.

178

Your balls are in my fist.

179

This is a vulgar metaphor meaning he has complete control over Gerald.

180

It's got him trapped.

181

There's nothing Gerald can do.

182

Then Harvey uses Gerald's own insult against him.

183

Now I apologize if that image is too pansy for you, but I'm comfortable enough with my manhood to put it out there.

184

Basically, he's saying he's mainly

185

or confident enough in himself to use bold even vulgar language as he says to put it out there.

186

We got paid before Gerald signed the deal.

187

What are you talking about?

188

This is a memo about some fire drill on Tuesday.

189

Memo is short for memorandum.

190

It's a written message used in offices to communicate information.

191

It's usually brief and to the point, like meeting at 3 p.m or office closed Friday.

192

A fire drill is a practice situation to prepare for fire emergencies.

193

Some schools and offices do them regularly.

194

The alarm goes off, everyone leaves the building, and then you go back inside.

195

It's not a real fire, just practice.

196

So yeah, Harvey was just bluffing.

197

He never actually received confirmation of payment.

198

He was just holding up a random memo about a fire drill and pretending it was proof they'd been paid.

199

And Gerald believed him because Harvey sold it so confidently.

200

That's what makes Harvey such a great closer.

201

He convinced Gerald that the deal was done and the money was already paid, which took away all of Gerald's negotiating power.

202

And it worked.

203

You're the blue team captain, you get to wear a fire hat.

204

This scene is a masterclass in negotiation, not just English.

205

Harvey doesn't just use advanced words he uses psychology timing

206

and a good old bluff to force gerald to do the right thing

207

and honor the deal he originally agreed to by the way

208

we've actually made a special lesson teaching how to speak english

209

more confidently like harvey make sure to check it out next

210

oh yeah guys great job now

211

if you are new to this youtube channel you should know

212

that every single week we make new lessons just like this one with your favorite tv series

213

and movies to help you understand fast speaking natives without getting lost without missing the jokes

214

and without subtitles so if that sounds like something

215

that you want to be able to do just hit the subscribe button

216

and the bell down below so you never miss any of our new lessons

217

and remember that now would be a great time for you to go

218

and practice everything you learned on the real life app just

219

click the link in the description below to get started right

220

now hi in today's lesson you will learn how to speak english confidently with harvey specter from the tv series suits

221

I really think Harvey is the perfect model because every time he speaks, he shows us exactly what confidence looks like in these five ways.

222

Number one, using power idioms.

223

Number two, quick thinking.

224

Number three, being direct.

225

Number four, having a powerful mindset.

226

And number five, having confident body language.

227

And today we'll watch Harvey in action

228

and I'll tell you exactly how to master each one of these five skills yourself

229

so you can feel more confident when you speak English.

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Woordenschat en spreektips bij deze les

Deze spreekles op niveau B2 is gebaseerd op de video “Learn English with SUITS — The First Episode”. Deze woorden komen het vaakst terug: harvey, gerald, interim, word, Cooper. Deze video bevat 229 zinnen en 2573 woorden om na te spreken. Het gesproken deel duurt 14:33. De spreker praat in een natuurlijk tempo van ongeveer 177 woorden per minuut, dicht bij een alledaags gesprek. 83% van de woorden hoort bij de 3.000 meest gebruikte Engelse woorden; de rest kun je beter vooraf bekijken.

Belangrijke woorden in deze video

De 15 moeilijkste woorden uit de video, met uitspraak en betekenis:

Woord	Uitspraak	Betekenis
interim bijvoeglijk naamwoord	/ˈɪntəɹɪm/	tussentijds
jeopardy zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˈd͡ʒɛpɚdi/	gevaar
honorary bijvoeglijk naamwoord	/ˈɑn.əˌɹɛɹ.i/	honorair
grasp werkwoord	/ɡɹæsp/	grijpen, vastpakken
escrow zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˈɛ.skɹoʊ̯/	derdengelden
bingo zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˈbɪŋ.ɡoʊ/	bingo
pansy zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˈpæn.zi/	viooltje, reuzenviool
negotiate werkwoord	/nəˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/	onderhandelen
insult zelfstandig naamwoord	/ɪnˈsʌlt/	belediging
dignity zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˈdɪɡnɪti/	waardigheid
confirmation zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˌkɑn.fəɹˈmeɪ.ʃən/	bevestiging
drill zelfstandig naamwoord	/dɹɪl/	boor, boormachine
shred werkwoord	/ʃɹɛd/	verscheuren, versnipperen
waffle zelfstandig naamwoord	/ˈwɑf.əl/	wafel
pronunciation zelfstandig naamwoord	/pɹəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/	uitspraak

Phrasal verbs die je zult horen

Woord	Uitspraak	Betekenis
figure out werkwoord		uitvogelen, er achter komen
break down werkwoord		stukgaan, kapot gaan
check out werkwoord		onderzoeken
come back werkwoord		terugkomen
fall apart werkwoord		uiteenvallen, uit elkaar vallen
go back werkwoord		teruggaan
go off werkwoord		afgaan
work out werkwoord	/ˌwɝk ˈaʊt/	uitrekenen

Zinnen om te herhalen

Korte, volledige zinnen uit de video die je in alledaagse gesprekken kunt gebruiken:

Jessica, have I come in at a bad time?
I'm paying you millions and you're telling me I'm gonna get screwed?
Jessica, have I come in a bad time?
What are you gonna do about it?
What are you going to do about it?

Grammatica in deze video

De structuren die de spreker het meest gebruikt, met de exacte woorden uit de video:

Structuur	In de video
Lijdende vorm be + voltooid deelwoord — het gaat om wat er gebeurt, niet om wie het doet	be cheated · be called · must be paid
Present perfect have/has + voltooid deelwoord — iets uit het verleden dat nu nog telt	I've ordered · hasn't attended · has left
Betrekkelijke bijzinnen who / which + zin — extra informatie over een persoon of ding	deals, which is · interim, which is · someone who hasn

Uitspraak om op te letten

De spreker gebruikt 71 samentrekkingen en verkorte vormen, zoals I'm, gonna, you're. Spreek ze kort uit, zoals je ze hoort.

De “th”-klanken: philanthropy /fɪˈlæn.θɹə.pi/, smoothly /ˈsmuːðli/
De klanken “sh” en “zh”: negotiate /nəˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/, confirmation /ˌkɑn.fəɹˈmeɪ.ʃən/, shred /ʃɹɛd/, specialize /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/, pronunciation /pɹəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/
Lange woorden — let op de klemtoon: honorary /ˈɑn.əˌɹɛɹ.i/, confidently /ˈkɑnfɪdəntli/, negotiate /nəˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/, confirmation /ˌkɑn.fəɹˈmeɪ.ʃən/, pronunciation /pɹəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/

Klanken die Nederlandstaligen lastig vinden:

Stemhebbende eindmedeklinker — /b/, /d/, /g/, /z/, /v/ niet verscherpen: shred /ʃɹɛd/, specialize /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/, manhood /ˈmænhʊd/, accuse /əˈkjuz/, merge /mɝd͡ʒ/
/æ/ — opener dan de Nederlandse “e”: grasp /ɡɹæsp/, pansy /ˈpæn.zi/, vocabulary /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ɹi/, manhood /ˈmænhʊd/, masculinity /ˌmæskjəˈlɪnɪti/
/g/ — een harde plofklank, geen Nederlandse “g”: grasp /ɡɹæsp/, bingo /ˈbɪŋ.ɡoʊ/, negotiate /nəˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/, dignity /ˈdɪɡnɪti/, navigate /ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪt/

Zo oefen je met deze video

Luister de hele video één keer zonder te spreken en noteer de woorden die je niet kent.
Begin op 0,75× snelheid, spreek zin voor zin na en ga terug naar normale snelheid zodra het makkelijk gaat.
Neem jezelf op en vergelijk met het origineel; let daarbij op woorden als interim, jeopardy, honorary.

Wat is de Shadowing-techniek?

Shadowing is een wetenschappelijk onderbouwde taalleermethode die oorspronkelijk is ontwikkeld voor professionele tolkentraining en gepopulariseerd door polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. De methode is eenvoudig maar krachtig: je luistert naar native Engelse audio en herhaalt het onmiddellijk hardop — als een schaduw die de spreker volgt met slechts 1–2 seconden vertraging. In tegenstelling tot passief luisteren of grammaticadrills, dwingt shadowing je hersenen en mondspieren om echte spraakpatronen tegelijkertijd te verwerken en te reproduceren. Onderzoek toont aan dat het de uitspraaknauwkeurigheid, intonatie, ritme, verbonden spraak, luisterbegrip en spreekvaardigheid aanzienlijk verbetert — waardoor het een van de meest effectieve methoden is voor IELTS Speaking-voorbereiding en echte Engelse communicatie.

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Woordenschat en spreektips bij deze les

Belangrijke woorden in deze video

Phrasal verbs die je zult horen

Zinnen om te herhalen

Grammatica in deze video

Uitspraak om op te letten

Zo oefen je met deze video

Wat is de Shadowing-techniek?