Shadowing Practice: Ayden Sng: 8 Things That Spark Joy - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Hi everyone, this is Aiden.
40 sentences
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Hi everyone, this is Aiden.
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Today I'll be sharing with you 8 things that spark joy.
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So the very first item would be my laptop.
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I am a geek at heart.
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I probably spend a lot of time on my laptop whenever I have free time, watching anime and watching drama.
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So the second item is my Eahu.
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So if you're familiar with me, you would know that I've been playing the Eahu for about 15 years.
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Uh, E-Hoo and traditional Chinese music is something that I'm passionate about and I really just do it as a passion project.
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So, the third product is arrange an assortment of medicated oil balms.
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Uh, I've been suffering from very bad motion sickness ever since I was young, so this is definitely a necessity.
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The fourth product that sparks joy is actually more of a mix of different products, basically my entire skincare regime.
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I think self-care is very very important and I enjoy the time that I take after I shower,
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after I wash up to take care of my skin.
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I also think of myself as somewhat a lip balm connoisseur.
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I've been suffering from dry lips for the past couple of years.
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So it's just something that, like medicated oil balms, I always have in my bag.
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So the fifth product is also an assortment of different products.
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This time around, scents.
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I love putting on some form of cologne
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or perfume right before I step out of the house because if I'm feeling a certain way on a specific day, I want a scent that can complement how I'm feeling.
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Or the other way around, right?
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Because I'm maybe not feeling so good, therefore I put on a scent to make me feel better.
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The sixth product is actually food.
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A lot of you will be familiar with this.
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This is the Pop Floss Bun from Red Talk.
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Why I like it is because it reminds me of home.
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I still remember when I was studying in the States and
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because like pot floss bun is not a thing over there
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I remember having to drive out 20 minutes just to buy a pot floss bun
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that doesn't really taste good But I would still do it either way because it reminds me of home.
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Also something that reminds me of home, right?
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Banggawan Solo is a brand that I really like and I frequent because I love to eat gui.
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I think in general anything that is sweet, desserts, cakes, I love them.
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But I love my Gui in particular.
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The last product is my trusty pair of Jao Kayanos from Asics.
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I run quite often, probably 3-4 times a week.
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Running is tiring, it's exhausting, but I enjoy doing it because it's part of my process.
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A process to resolve any negative emotions.
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Thank you so much for watching.
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you

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Why practice speaking with this video?

Ayden Sng's video, "8 Things That Spark Joy," offers a rich context for English speaking practice. By sharing personal experiences and emotions linked to everyday items, the video encourages learners to engage with relatable content. This makes it easier for non-native speakers to connect with the language. Practicing speaking by summarizing or discussing the items Ayden mentions helps improve fluency and confidence in English. Additionally, using the shadowing technique, where learners mimic the speaker's pronunciation and intonation, is an excellent way to improve English pronunciation. You'll not only practice vocabulary but also learn how to express feelings and experiences in English.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

Throughout the video, Ayden employs several key grammatical structures and expressions that are beneficial for learners:

  • Present Simple Tense: Ayden frequently uses the present simple to describe his hobbies and preferences, e.g., "I am a geek at heart." This structure is crucial for discussing routines and general truths.
  • Gerunds: Phrases such as "watching anime" and "playing the Eahu" highlight the use of gerunds to express ongoing actions and activities. This can help learners form their own sentences about their hobbies.
  • Adjective Usage: Descriptive adjectives are used to convey emotions, e.g., "medicated oil balms" and "trusty pair." Learning how to effectively use adjectives can enhance your descriptive skills in conversation.
  • Expressing Emotion: Phrases like "It sparks joy" can help learners articulate feelings. Practicing these expressions provides valuable tools for emotional expression in English discussions.

Common Pronunciation Traps

Listening to Ayden, you may encounter pronunciation challenges that are common among English learners:

  • Word Stress: Pay attention to the words "skincare" and "assortment." The stress on the correct syllable is essential for clear communication.
  • Vowel Sounds: Words such as "Eahu" and "Gui" may pose difficulties due to their unique sounds. Practice these keywords to enhance your vocabulary and articulation.
  • Intonation Patterns: Notice Ayden's rhythm and pitch changes, especially when he expresses excitement or nostalgia. Mimicking these patterns through shadow speak will improve the natural flow of your English.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can significantly enhance your English speaking practice and overall language proficiency.

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.