Shadowing Practice: American English Connected Reading | Daily Life English: Food Order (part one) - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Today, I'd like to look at the connected sounds in a short conversation where somebody is ordering food over the phone.
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Let's take a look.
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Hi there, I'd like to order for pickup I'd like to So for the /d/ /l/ combination You kind of just say the "DL" - The L goes right after the /d/ I'd like to. I'd like to order for pickup Now, "to order" to order The /t/ part - well, it's not "to" anymore, it's "ta'order" You could say "to (w) order" and kind of put a /w/ there But you don't always have to do that.
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You could just say "I'd like ta'order for pickup." I'd like to order for pickup.
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Finally, "for" turns into just /fr/ - (fr) pickup I'd like to order for pickup.
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I'll have 2 combination plates please so here the L in "I'll" kind of gets reduced and it's really not said as an L at all I'll have.
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You can see my tongue isn't touching the roof of my mouth The tongue is just kind of going up a little bit instead of actually touching the roof of my mouth here before the H I'll have two combination plates please the first one's gonna be with steak and vegetables the firs(t) one's: Here we're gonna take out the T in first the first one's gonna be with steak and vegetables so here "with steak" - TH + S We could take out that TH We could say "wisssteak" - wi(th) steak and vegetables and that's okay only if you're speaking very quickly If you say with~teak or wiss~steak slowly then it sounds like a mistake.
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But if you say wi(th) steak and you're speaking quickly it sounds good Finally, steak 'n' vegetables "Steak" ends in a consonant "Vegetables" starts with a consonant and so between two consonants "and" can just turn into /n/ steak /n/ vegetables and for the second one so here we'll take out the D in "and" because there's no consonant right before it there's a pause with a comma and for the so now the "for" gets turned into /fr/ again and for the second one secon(d) one There's no D there in "second" I'll do fried chicken fried chicken I'll do fried chicken and mashed potatoes fried chicken so the D in "fried chicken" gets pretty reduced We don't delete it entirely, it's not "fry chicken" It's fried chicken I'm about to say /d/ but I stop, I say fried chicken I'll do fried chicken and mashed potatoes take out the D in "and" and so when you take out the D the N turns into M too fried chicken an(m) mashed potatoes So when you say "and mashed potatoes" it's like am-mash Just like "am," "I am," that kind of "am" and mashed potatoes That "mashed" has a /t/ sound at the end and that gets removed here mashed potatoes mash(ed) potatoes if you speak slower and clearer, then we do hear the /t/ mashed potatoes I'd also like a side of coleslaw so here "side of coleslaw" turns into side "a" side a coleslaw I don't need any drinks though I don't need I don('t) need We take out the T in "don't" I don't need any drinks though Do you know when I should come by to pick it up?
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Do you know? - so "do you" turns into "dya" Do you know when I should come by should come by That D in should connects to the /k/ in "come" when I shoul(d) come by to pick it up shoul(d) come by and remember don't separate the "come by" Don't separate the B and M sounds here come by to pick it up pick it up pick it up So here: "pick it up" connect all those words together "pi-cki-tup" Finally with the last P sound you can just close your mouth, you can just say u(p) u(p) and not have to release the P it's not up(h), now you could do that you could do a very very gentle /ph/ at the very end but it's not necessary, it's not obligatory.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice American English connected speech through a conversation involving a food order made over the phone. This real-life scenario provides an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with how native speakers blend words and sounds in everyday dialogue. By focusing on the connected sounds and phrases, you’ll not only improve your listening comprehension but also enhance your speaking skills, making your English sound more natural and fluent. This practice will help you in situations like ordering food, where clear and quick communication is essential. You'll engage in english speaking practice to solidify your learning.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • I'd like to order for pickup - A common phrase for ordering food to be picked up later.
  • two combination plates - Refers to a meal that includes multiple items.
  • with steak and vegetables - An example of how to specify food choices.
  • fried chicken and mashed potatoes - Another food order that highlights key vocabulary.
  • side of coleslaw - A phrase to order an additional item or side dish.
  • Do you know when I should come by to pick it up? - A question to clarify pickup details.

Practice Tips

To maximize your learning from this lesson, consider using the shadowing technique. This involves repeating what you hear in the video as closely as possible, mimicking the natural rhythm and pace of the speaker. It's essential to pay attention to how sounds connect and words are pronounced in context. For instance, notice how phrases like “I’d like ta'order” reduce certain sounds. Practicing these nuances will help you develop more fluid shadow speech, making your English sound more authentic.

Keep in mind the pace of the dialogue. Since the conversation is quick, try breaking it down into smaller chunks. Repeat each segment slowly, then gradually increase your speed until you can match the speaker's tone and rhythm. This method is particularly effective for learn english with youtube tutorials, as you can have visual support while practicing. Ultimately, your english speaking practice will be enriched, enhancing not only your listening skills but also your confidence in everyday conversations.

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.