Shadowing Practice: 'Come to the Edge' Anthony Garvey, District finalist, Toastmasters International - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B2
Come to the edge, we might fall.
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79 sentences
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Come to the edge, we might fall.
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Come to the edge, it's too high.
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Come to the edge, and they came,
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and we pushed, and they flew.
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Mr. Contest Chair, fellow Toastmasters and very welcome guests,
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I was 16 years of age when I first read those words by Christopher Logue.
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I had asked my dad for advice on how to win the heart of the most beautiful girl in Ireland.
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Her name was Helen and I was afraid to talk to her.
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My dad gave me this book and asked me to read the poem I have just recited for you.
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Later that evening at our school disco,
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I spotted Helen across the crowded dance floor.
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Spurred on by the words,
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I began to edge nearer.
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Our eyes seemed to meet just as flash dance started to play.
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First, when there's nothing but a slow,
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glowing dream, that your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind.
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As I edged nearer, I noticed out of the corner of my eye,
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my best friend Fergus was also walking towards Helen.
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Then I realized she was looking at him, not at me.
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I stopped in my tracks as the two of them held hands and started to dance.
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Come to the edge, climb onto a ledge more like it.
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But looking back I realize just how important that experience was.
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Helen may have chosen Fergus but ten years later Fergus chose me as best man at their wedding.
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And later that evening at their wedding reception,
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I got to meet my wife for the very first time.
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I was 36 years of age and I had just failed my driving test for the seventh time.
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My dad sent me a press clipping about Cha Sa Soon from South Korea.
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She had sat her driving test not seven times,
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not 70 times, but 700 times, and still hadn't passed.
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But she was still trying.
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At the bottom of the page,
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my dad had added the words,
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Remember, come to the edge.
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It was the boost I needed.
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I reapplied for the test,
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took extra lessons, and on the day of the exam,
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I greeted the examiner warmly with a firm Toastmaster-style handshake.
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And just one short hour later,
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I had failed my driving test. For the eighth time.
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Anyone here need a lift home later on this evening, by the way?
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No?
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No takers?
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It was the worst exam of the lot.
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I went the wrong way round a mini roundabout.
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Jumped a red light and worst of all,
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I reversed into a small bush outside our local garden centre.
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Centre.
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Come to the edge, mow down a hedge, more like it.
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But looking back I realise just how important that experience was.
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Thanks to the example of Chasasun and the words of the poem,
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I left the exam centre that day not despondent but determined.
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And on the 17th of May 2006,
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I passed my driving test on my ninth attempt.
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Four years later, to the very day,
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Cha Sa-soon in South Korea passed her driving test on her 960th attempt.
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I was 46 years of age and I was on my way to Dublin to visit my dad in hospital.
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He had gone in for a minor operation
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and I took with me the book of poetry he had given me as a teenager.
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I wanted to tell him about the positive impact it had on my life.
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One hour into the journey I got a call from my sister and I pulled the car over safely to take it.
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She told me that But my dad had had a heart attack.
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They had tried to revive him without success.
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As I sat helplessly in the car,
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I took the book of poetry from my bag and read Christopher Logue's poem,
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Come to the Edge Aloud.
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There was not a sound to be heard,
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apart from the the distant murmur of the car radio.
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When I had finished, I closed my eyes.
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Through the darkness came something on the car radio that I had not heard for over 30 years.
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First, when there's nothing, But a slow,
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flowing dream That your fear seems to hide Deep inside your mind.
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Thirty years ago, my dad gave me this book.
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He taught me to live life to the full,
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to have a go, rather than sit it out.
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If you have a dream,
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if there's something you'd love to do,
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but you're afraid of, then I have just one piece of advice.
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Come to the edge, and who knows, you may fly.
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Thank you.

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Context & Background

In Anthony Garvey's engaging Toastmasters speech, he reflects on personal experiences that shaped his journey towards confidence and success. By recounting poignant memories from his teenage years and sharing lessons learned from failures and determination, Garvey not only captures the audience's attention but also illustrates the importance of taking risks and overcoming obstacles. The core message revolves around pushing through fears and striving for self-improvement, which resonates with anyone pursuing personal growth, especially those aiming to improve their English pronunciation. The use of a powerful poem as a motivational tool highlights the significance of words and stories in our lives.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “Come to the edge” - A call to action that encourages taking risks.
  • “It’s too high” - An expression of fear or hesitation that many can relate to.
  • “We might fall” - Acknowledging the possibility of failure yet emphasizing the importance of courage.
  • “Climb onto a ledge” - A metaphor for stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
  • “Remember, come to the edge” - A reminder to embrace new experiences and challenges.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

For English learners eager to improve their English pronunciation, employing the shadowing technique from this inspirational speech can be incredibly beneficial. Here’s how to tackle this specific video’s difficulty:

  1. Listen Actively: Start by watching the video without subtitles. Focus on the speaker's intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation.
  2. Identify Key Phrases: Use the phrases listed above as your focus points. Repeat them out loud to grasp their pronunciation and vocal emphasis.
  3. Slow it Down: Utilize video playback controls to slow down the speech. This will help you catch nuances in speech that are crucial for mastering English sounds.
  4. Imitate: Pause the video after each sentence or phrase, and repeat what you hear. Try to match the emotion and rhythm of the speaker for effective practice.
  5. Record Yourself: After practicing, record your own voice. Compare it to the original speaker to identify areas for improvement in your shadowspeak.

This systematic approach on our shadowing site will facilitate retention and help you become more fluent in English communication. By embracing the bold spirit of Garvey's message, learners can gain confidence and improve their speaking abilities through dedicated practice. Remember, coming to the edge can lead to remarkable growth.

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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