Shadowing Practice: 339k - Learn English Speaking with Video

Hey guys, I'm Kaylee from LA.

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Ever since I was a little girl, I've always loved to sing.

My grandma was a professional singer.

She sang around the world with the most prestigious orchestras and operas.

I miss her and her voice so much.

When I got to 10th grade, I became the singer of the family.

I went to the most prestigious performing arts school on the West Coast.

My favorite class was music, of course, and My favorite club so far was Show Choir.

We had been the best in the state for 14 years, with the trophies to prove it.

My best friend Addison is also in Show Choir with me.

He and I met in kindergarten and have been inseparable ever since.

He's the funniest guy I've ever known.

He's also gotten pretty cute over the years, too.

Or at least, that's what all the girls in school think.

But I just don't see him that way.

Hard to see someone that way when they used to sneak over from next door and put frogs in your bed.

One day, our show choir teacher, Miss Conrad, had big news for us.

We've been asked to compete at this year's National Show Choir Competition.

All right!

Yeah!

But to ensure we get top scores, the soloists will have to be chosen very carefully.

Miss Conrad told us

that we were going to have to audition for the big solo right in front of each other in one week.

My nemesis, Heidi, started bragging in front of the whole group.

We all know who's going to get it.

Me, of course.

Everyone knows I have the stage presence of a star.

I don't know.

I think Kaylee might give you a run for your money.

She's got star power and the voice to match.

The other's eyes widened.

Were they about to fight?

Just then, the bell rang.

As everyone left the class, I swatted Addison on the arm.

Don't start fights with Heidi.

She's my biggest competition.

That's exactly why you have to stand up for yourself in front of her.

I just don't want anyone to think I think I'm better than her.

Well then, I guess that's why I'm here.

To remind them for you.

What would I do without you?

Good thing we'll never have to find out.

I was so nervous, even though I'd sung in front of our choir before.

But the pressure was on.

The whole week leading up to auditions, I practiced.

In the shower, in the car, between classes.

I really wanted to beat out Heidi for the big solo at the end of the show.

Finally, audition day arrived.

I woke up, put on my cutest outfit, curled my hair, and took extra time with my makeup.

After all, if I'm gonna be a big star one day, I might as well start dressing like it now.

When I stepped out of my house to walk to school with Addison, his cheeks turned super red.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

You, uh, just look different is all.

Your hair is...

Oh no, does it look bad?

Maybe I should have worn it up.

I'll just go change.

No, no, leave it.

You look good.

Great.

When I arrived in class, Heidi was sitting in the front row looking totally perfect.

What was I thinking?

With her shiny hair, big eyes, and as much as I hated to admit it, her beautiful voice, why would anyone ever look twice at me?

But I just tried to remember what my grandma would always say.

It's not about who sings the loudest or looks the prettiest.

As long as your song comes from your heart, people can't help but listen.

So I took a deep breath and sat down next to Heidi right in the front row.

She gave me a once-over and rolled her eyes.

Who cared what she thought?

I knew I looked great.

Miss Conrad sat down at the piano and called Heidi up first.

After she finished singing, I applauded politely along with everyone else.

Then it was my turn.

I stood confidently and turned to face everyone.

Addison gave me a thumbs up from the back row.

Such a good friend.

Miss Conrad played the opening notes for my song when suddenly, the door to the classroom burst open behind me.

I turned to look, and standing in the doorway was the most handsome boy I'd ever seen.

Tall with long brown hair that fell perfectly into his eyes.

He looked just like a fairy tale prince.

My jaw dropped.

He handed a note to Miss Conrad.

Class, this is our newest addition, Patrick.

He waved to everyone, then put his hand on my shoulder, looked deep into my eyes and said, I'm so sorry I interrupted your audition.

Knock him dead.

Then he took my seat right in the front row.

I gulped.

Oh, now I was nervous again.

I shook off my nerves, took a deep breath, and nodded to Miss Conrad.

As she played, I could feel the music filling me up all the way to the top.

I opened my mouth to sing and let my song come from my heart.

When I finished, the whole class burst into applause.

I felt like I was walking on air.

Patrick got up to sing something last minute.

He was so good.

The next day, Miss Conrad put up the list, and I had gotten the solo.

And she'd even added a duet in the middle of the show for Patrick to sing with me.

100

Looks like it's you and me, Kaylee.

101

I'm so honored to be singing with someone as talented as you.

102

I felt my cheeks turn red, and he grinned.

103

You're so cute when you blush like that.

104

Be careful, or I might just fall in love.

105

He walked away with a wink at me.

106

I couldn't believe he'd just said that.

107

And neither could Heidi, who'd been listening around the corner.

108

Don't get too comfy with that solo.

109

Once Miss Conrad figures out that you'll cave at the first sign of pressure, I'll be ready to step in.

110

Eavesdrop much?

111

Jealousy isn't your color, Heidi.

112

The next day, we started rehearsing for nationals.

113

Everyone was working so hard, and Patrick and I sounded great together.

114

But when it came to our dance, it was like I'd suddenly grown a second left foot.

115

No, Kaylee, no. Once more from the top.

116

Miss Conrad, I'm happy to come up front and show Kaylee how it's done.

117

Not necessary, but thank you, Heidi.

118

Just here for the team.

119

After I knocked Patrick over by mistake for the third time, Miss Conrad called it a day.

120

Kaylee, please go home and practice, practice, practice.

121

Ugh, I could have wiped that smug look off of Heidi's face.

122

Everyone went to start packing up their bags, and I started to head backstage to get my bag when Patrick came up to me.

123

Hey, gorgeous.

124

Wanna stay in practice a little with me?

125

Then it'll be perfect by tomorrow.

126

Oh, I wouldn't want to impose.

127

Your toes must be all bruised.

128

That's okay.

129

I really don't mind.

130

And I wouldn't mind spending a little quality time with my co-star.

131

Well, if you insist.

132

Just then, Addison came up to us.

133

Hey, Kaylee.

134

Ready to go?

135

That's okay.

136

I should really practice a little longer.

137

I can practice with you.

138

I could use a few run-throughs myself.

139

Oh, um, well, Patrick already offered to stay behind and practice with me here.

140

He did, did he?

141

How are you gonna get home?

142

I can drive her.

143

Oh, do you live in our neighborhood?

144

No, but...

145

I mean, if it's not really convenient for you...

146

I'm not spending time with Kaylee, cause it's convenient.

147

Neither am I.

148

I'm spending time with her because she's cool.

149

My face turned bright red.

150

Did he really mean that?

151

Addison, I'm gonna stay here too, just for a bit to practice.

152

I'll see you later, okay?

153

Fine, if you insist.

154

I'll, uh, see you when you get home.

155

He turned on his heel and walked out.

156

Patrick turned to me with a grin on his face and held out his hand. Shall we?

157

We practiced more and I was finally getting good.

158

Patrick swung me out for our final spin, then pulled me in close and dipped me.

159

That's when I noticed his face was just so close, his ice blue eyes staring deep into mine.

160

Was he gonna kiss me?

161

Just then, all the lights in the theater went out.

162

Patrick dropped me in shock, and I shrieked.

163

All of a sudden, the lights came back on, and Miss Conrad stepped back on stage.

164

Oh, hey kids, I'm so sorry.

165

I didn't realize you were still here.

166

Ugh, I couldn't believe she'd interrupted our moment.

167

Still, we waved goodbye to her and headed out.

168

A little while later, when Patrick dropped me off, he got out of his car to open my door.

169

Such a gentleman.

170

It was nice hanging out tonight.

171

I'll see you tomorrow, superstar.

172

Then he wrapped his arms around me and gave me a big hug.

173

Is this what heaven smelled like?

174

Then I headed up the front walk to my door.

175

So do you like him or something?

176

I whipped around and saw Addison waiting on our front porch swing.

177

I don't know, maybe?

178

He's so cute and really talented.

179

Um, okay.

180

Cool, I guess.

181

Do you still want to practice?

182

That's okay.

183

I think I got it now.

184

Okay, then.

185

Well, um, then I guess I'll see you tomorrow.

186

Here, I got you a milkshake.

187

Hey, thanks.

188

He started crossing the yard towards his house. Is it?

189

Cookies and cream.

190

Your favorite.

191

Thanks.

192

I'll see you tomorrow?

193

You know it.

194

Then it was finally time for nationals.

195

As we arrived at the concert hall, I was overwhelmed by all the other groups here and overheard one girl say to another, She was a little flat at the end.

196

I couldn't believe it.

197

What if I lost us the whole competition?

198

All night and throughout all our warm-ups the next day, it was all I could think about.

199

If I messed up again, I'd be letting everyone down, including myself.

200

And there were several famous music industry people judging the competition.

201

What if I ended my career as a singer before it even started?

202

And then, it was almost time to go up.

203

I tried to calm down, but I was shaking like a leaf.

204

Miss Conrad, Kaylee doesn't look so good.

205

Miss Conrad came over.

206

She looked pretty nervous herself.

207

Kaylee, you look terrible.

208

Are you going to be able to perform?

209

Of course, I...

210

Because if you're sick, I can always put Heidi on.

211

I'm ready to go, Miss Conrad.

212

Just then, I spotted Patrick warming up down the hall.

213

I just need a minute.

214

I raced down the hall towards him.

215

He was stretching, shaking out his hands, jumping up and down.

216

Patrick?

217

His expression was so strange.

218

Was he nervous too?

219

I'm so nervous.

220

Do you think we could practice?

221

Kaylee, I'm kind of busy.

222

What if we...

223

I really just need some space here, Kaylee.

224

Yesterday, you said we were a team.

225

That doesn't feel like a team to me.

226

I can't do this right now.

227

Could you leave me alone?

228

Fighting back tears, I ran down the hall and found a corner backstage.

229

I couldn't let anyone see me so upset, especially not Miss Conrad or Heidi.

230

What was I going to do?

231

Suddenly, Addison stepped out of the shadows.

232

He looked so handsome in his costume.

233

Um, Kaylee, are you okay?

234

I threw my arms around him.

235

He caught me and squeezed tight.

236

I'm so nervous.

237

I overheard one of the other teams say I sounded bad.

238

Miss Conrad is ready to replace me with Heidi.

239

Patrick isn't any help and there's amazing industry people out there and ugh.

240

You sounded amazing in rehearsal.

241

Those other teams were just jealous.

242

Forget about Patrick and Heidi.

243

Remember why you love to sing.

244

What was it your grandma always said?

245

Sing from your heart?

246

Exactly. Do that.

247

I took a few deep breaths, and Addison was right.

248

Will you just run the last part of the number with me? Of course.

249

And there, in our little corner of the theater, we stepped, we twirled, we kicked in time together.

250

Addison took my hand, spun me around, and dipped me low.

251

I felt his arm slip.

252

He was dropping me.

253

But right before I was sure I'd hit the ground, he caught me with a twinkle in his eye.

254

I swatted his arm.

255

You tricked me.

256

I'd never drop you, and even if I did, I'll always be here to catch you.

257

Thank you, Addison.

258

Then he smiled at me so genuinely, and my heart fell into my stomach.

259

What was that?

260

Places, please, students, places.

261

Kaylee, are you ready?

262

Yes, Miss Conrad.

263

As we all rushed to take our spots to start our number, Addison shot me a wink.

264

Knock him dead, superstar.

265

You too.

266

As soon as the lights came up on stage, I felt a little thrill of excitement.

267

We danced, we sang, we twirled.

268

Everyone had brought their A-game.

269

When it came time for my duet with Patrick, we totally nailed it.

270

But any spark that had been there was gone.

271

As the opening chords of my solo began, the lights shined down on me and I opened my mouth.

272

And the music poured from my heart.

273

I knew my grandma was right there with me.

274

I hit my final note and held it out forever as everyone finished their steps behind me.

275

As we struck our final pose, the crowd erupted into applause.

276

A standing ovation!

277

I beamed.

278

We totally nailed it!

279

That night, after all the points had been tallied, all the teams gathered on stage behind the judges, Addison reached for my hand and I squeezed back.

280

Thanks for the pep talk.

281

I could have never done it without you.

282

Of course you could have.

283

I'm just here to remind you.

284

You're always there for me.

285

He leaned in close, and I felt a flutter in my stomach as he whispered in my ear.

286

And I always will be, if you let me.

287

I turned to look directly in his eyes.

288

Kaylee, I have to tell you.

289

Just then, the announcer started announcing the winners.

290

Second place, runner-up.

291

Our whole team clasped hands and took a deep breath together.

292

And the grand prize for this year's National Show Choir Competition goes to...

293

As they said our name, the crowd roared.

294

It was so loud I could hardly think.

295

Confetti rained down on us as Miss Conrad stepped forward to accept our trophy.

296

I threw my arms around Addison and he picked me up, swinging me in a circle.

297

We did it!

298

We did it!

299

As we packed up our things in the dressing room and said goodbye to the new friends we'd made at the competition, one of the judges knocked on our dressing room door.

300

He was an exec for a record label back in L.A.

301

I was so impressed with you.

302

Your vocals were so clear, and you've got some real presents up there.

303

Give me a call if you think you'd be interested in recording a single.

304

He handed me his card, and I shook his hand, totally awestruck.

305

Maybe dreams really do come true.

306

I felt so relieved.

307

Not only had I not let everyone down, but I'd made myself proud.

308

On the bus, Addison dropped down in the seat beside me, running a hand through his hair.

309

When he saw me watching him, he grinned and the butterflies were back.

310

I'm totally beat, aren't you?

311

Definitely.

312

I, uh, got you something.

313

Oh yeah?

314

I pulled out a bag of gummy worms.

315

Your favorite.

316

You're the best, Kay.

317

He ripped open the bag and dug in.

318

Hey, Addison, what was it you were gonna tell me earlier?

319

Um, I, uh, I don't know.

320

I don't remember.

321

Well, I have something I want to tell you.

322

I- Yeah?

323

I like you.

324

Really?

325

Really?

326

I like you too.

327

I have for a while now.

328

Really?

329

Really.

330

He took my hand and I know my cheeks turned pink.

331

I got something for you too.

332

Ooh, okay.

333

I love presents.

334

And then he put his hand on my cheek, leaned in close, and kissed me.

335

It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

336

Thank you.

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

The speaker keeps coming back to these words: miss, Conrad, Addison, Patrick, Kaylee. This video has 336 sentences and 2797 words to shadow. The speech runs for 14:43. The speaker talks fast, about 190 words per minute, so expect linked and reduced sounds. Only 79% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.

Key vocabulary in this video

The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
choir noun	/kwaɪɚ/	A group of people who sing together; a company of people who are trained to sing together.
audition noun	/ɑˈdɪʃən/	A performance, by an aspiring performer, to demonstrate suitability or talent.
cheek noun	/t͡ʃiːk/	The soft skin on each side of the face, below the eyes; the outer surface of the sides of the oral cavity.
grandma noun	/ˈɡɹænmɑː/	Grandmother.
grin noun	/ɡɹɪn/	A smile in which the lips are parted to reveal the teeth.
duet noun	/djuˈɛt/	A musical composition in two parts, each performed by a single voice (singer, instrument or univoce ensemble).
overhear verb	/oʊ.vɚˈhɪɚ/	To hear something that was not meant for one's ears.
swat verb	/swɑt/	To beat off, as insects; to bat, strike, or hit.
twirl verb	/twɝl/	To perform a twirl.
wink noun	/ˈwɪŋk/	An act of winking (a blinking of only one eye), or a message sent by winking.
backstage adjective	/bækˈsteɪd͡ʒ/	Relating to, or situated in the area behind a stage.
interrupt verb	/ˌɪntəˈɹʌpt/	To disturb or halt (an ongoing process or action, or the person performing it) by interfering suddenly, especially by speaking.
superstar noun	/ˈsuː.pəˌstɑː/	Someone who has accumulated a vast amount of fame; a high-level celebrity.
applause noun	/əˈplɔːz/	The act of applauding; approbation and praise publicly expressed by the clapping of hands, stamping or tapping of the feet, acclamation, huzzas, or other…
prestigious adjective	/pɹɛˈstiːd͡ʒəs/	Of high prestige.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
come up to verb		To approach.
beat out verb		To sound a rhythm on a percussion instrument such as a drum.
calm down verb		To become less excited, intense, or angry.
come over verb		To affect in a sudden, unprecedented or surprising manner; to overwhelm a person's ordinarily contrary impulse.
come up verb		To emerge or become known, especially unexpectedly.
fight back verb	/faɪt bæk/	To defend oneself by fighting.
figure out verb		To come to understand; to discover or find a solution; to deduce.
find out verb		To discover, as by asking or investigating.

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

What would I do without you?
Wanna stay in practice a little with me?
How are you gonna get home?
Was he gonna kiss me?
I'm totally beat, aren't you?

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

Structure	In the video
Conditional sentences if + clause, will/would + verb — a condition and its result	If I messed up again, I'd be · if I did, I'll always · if you think you'd be
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now	I've always loved · have been · I've ever known
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it	We've been asked · be chosen · was overwhelmed

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 78 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, don't, I'll. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: thrill /θɹɪl/, thumb /ˈθʌm/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: audition /ɑˈdɪʃən/, milkshake /ˈmɪlk.ʃeɪk/, ovation /oʊˈveɪ.ʃən/, shriek /ʃɹiːk/, blush /ˈblʌʃ/
Long words — get the stress right: confidently /ˈkɑnfɪdəntli/, inseparable /inˈsɛ.p(ə).ɹə.bl/, kindergarten /ˈkɪndəɹˌɡɑːɹt(ə)n/, genuinely /ˈd͡ʒɛn.ju.ɪn.li/

How to practise with this video

Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like choir, audition, cheek.

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.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

Key vocabulary in this video

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Sentences worth repeating

Grammar in this video

Pronunciation to watch

How to practise with this video

What is the Shadowing Technique?