Shadowing Practice: Answering interview questions - 02 - English at Work helps. - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Hello!
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Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading, where Anna's interview for a sales job continues.
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When we last said goodbye, Tip Top boss Paul had asked Anna why she wanted the job.
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First she said...
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Since then she's added...
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did.
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And as we join her again, Anna is saying… Well, I'm… Come on, Anna!
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If you can't think of the word you need, find another way of saying it.
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I am… Well, I really, really want this job and I am willing to work very hard if I get it.
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So you're very motivated then?
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Motivated?
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Yes, that's it.
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I am really motivated.
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Good.
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Why?
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Now, over to you, Anna.
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Structure your answer.
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Say, firstly, then give your first reason.
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Secondly and then a second reason.
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Then say, above all, and give a really, really good, enthusiastic final reason.
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Go for it!
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Firstly...
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Firstly...
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Firstly...
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Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience.
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I've spent several years working in sales, and I get on with people easily.
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Well, I mean, apart from the ones I don't like, of course.
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Secondly, I know Tiptop Trading is one of the fastest growing companies in London, and I want to be part of that.
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That's absolutely right.
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Tip Top Trading is the fastest growing company in the plastic fruit sector.
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But enough about the company.
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This is all about you, Annabelle.
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Anna.
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Sorry, Anna.
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Where were we?
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Well, I said that firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience.
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Secondly, the company is growing fast and...
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and...
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above all, the reason I want this job is...
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Yes?
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Denise, is everything all right?
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No, Paul, it's not.
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Everything is not OK.
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You look pale.
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Here, sit down.
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Drink what's left of my tea.
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Oh, thank you.
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Oh, what are those bits floating in it?
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Oh, they're just lumps of soggy biscuit.
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In fact, if I can just get that bit out with my finger for you...
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Mmm, delicious.
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Now, tell me what happened.
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Well, it's terrible.
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Oh dear.
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Just as Anna was doing really well, it looks like her interview has come to a sudden end.
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What's happened?
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Join us next time to find out.
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But before we go, here's a reminder of how Anna structured her response.
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Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience.
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Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest growing companies in London And, above all, the reason I want this job is Anna couldn't remember the word motivated
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So she just found another way of saying what she meant I really, really want the job And I'm willing to work very hard if I get it Nice work, Anna
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Let's hope you get the chance to finish your interview next week
📱

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Why practice speaking with this video?

This video is an engaging continuation of Anna's interview journey at Tip Top Trading, providing a realistic context for learners to practice their speaking skills. Interview scenarios are crucial in professional settings, and speaking fluency can significantly impact the outcome. By mimicking Anna's responses and practicing with this video, learners can enhance their ability to articulate thoughts under pressure. Moreover, understanding the dynamics of an interview helps learners become more confident and prepared for real-life situations, making this exercise invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the job market.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Throughout the video, several key grammatical structures and expressions are employed, which are beneficial for learners to absorb:

  • Firstly, Secondly, Above all: These transitional phrases help in structuring responses clearly. Anna uses them to outline her reasons systematically, reinforcing the importance of organization in speech.
  • “This job is an ideal match for my skills and experience.” This sentence illustrates how to express suitability. It’s a useful pattern when discussing job qualifications.
  • “I want to be part of that.” Simple present tense is used here to show desire and intention, which is fundamental in interview responses as it conveys immediacy and enthusiasm.
  • “I am really motivated.” The use of "really" as an intensifier emphasizes Anna’s dedication. Learning to modify adjectives can help learners articulate emotions more effectively.

Common Pronunciation Traps

Pronunciation plays a critical role in communication during interviews. This video contains some words and phrases that learners should pay attention to:

  • “Motivated”: Watch for the emphasis on the second syllable. Practicing this word through shadowing can help learners pronounce it correctly and confidently.
  • “Firstly” and “Secondly”: These linking words are often quickly spoken, making it easy to mispronounce. Practicing with shadowspeak techniques can ensure clearer articulation.
  • “Ideal match”: The rhythm in this phrase is important; learners should take care to maintain the smooth flow when saying it. Relying on shadow speech can assist in mastering this aspect.

By focusing on these pronunciation nuances using a shadowspeaks approach, learners can improve their clarity and effectiveness when speaking in professional contexts. Engaging in shadow speech practice will enhance not only fluency but also self-assurance during conversations, particularly in high-stakes situations like interviews.

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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