Shadowing Practice: Business Result intermediate 2nd edition 3.2 - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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3.2 Hi, David.
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Have a seat.
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Thanks.
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I'd like to get an update on the project and check all the deadlines so far.
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Sure.
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Well, I've agreed the approximate equipment costings with finance.
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That's good.
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And did you place the order for the equipment yesterday?
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No, I didn't.
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As I said, the figures are only approximate.
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that's because some departments haven't sent their requirements yet.
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We can't order until we have their final requirements. Which departments?
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Marketing and IT.
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But they've had three weeks to decide.
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I know.
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I've just emailed them another reminder.
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OK.
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And what about the plans?
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Has anyone given their feedback?
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Yes, I've already received it.
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What, from everyone?
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Yes.
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Everyone replied before the deadline, and overall they were very positive.
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Thank you.

What You'll Practice in This Business English Lesson

This video features a realistic business conversation between two colleagues discussing project updates, deadlines, and feedback. By engaging with this dialogue, you'll practice understanding and using intermediate-level business English, focusing on clear communication of tasks, delays, and progress. It's perfect for building confidence in professional settings, whether you're preparing for work or IELTS speaking practice.

Essential Vocabulary & Phrases for Business Communication

  • Get an update: To ask for the latest information on a project or task (e.g., "I'd like to get an update on the project").
  • Approximate costings: Estimated financial figures (e.g., "I've agreed the approximate equipment costings with finance").
  • Place an order: To formally request goods or services (e.g., "Did you place the order for the equipment yesterday?").
  • Final requirements: The confirmed needs or specifications for a project (e.g., "We can't order until we have their final requirements").
  • Give feedback: To share opinions or suggestions on a plan or document (e.g., "Has anyone given their feedback?").

Pro Tips for Shadowing the Dialogue Effectively

Shadowing—also called shadowspeak or shadow speak—is a proven technique to improve pronunciation, fluency, and listening skills. Here's how to use it with this video:

  • Match the speed: The conversation is at a natural business pace, not too fast. Pause the video after each line, then repeat it immediately, focusing on copying the rhythm and stress. This helps you get used to real-world speech patterns.
  • Emphasize key words: Notice how the speakers stress words like "approximate," "final," and "positive" to convey importance. Mirroring this emphasis will make your speech more engaging and clear, a critical skill for IELTS speaking practice.
  • Practice polite persistence: The dialogue includes a gentle follow-up ("But they've had three weeks to decide"). Repeat this line to master the tone of polite urgency, which is essential in professional communication.

Learning English with YouTube videos like this one lets you practice in context, making new vocabulary and phrases easier to remember. With consistent shadowing, you'll soon feel more confident speaking in business and academic settings.

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 →