Shadowing Practice: Commencement Speech 2012 - Full-Time MBA | SDA Bocconi - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Reviewer: Denise RQ Okay, thank you Leonardo and Gabriele for that wonderful introduction.
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This is going to be quite a challenge, summarizing an entire year's experience in a few minutes.
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but I will give it my best.
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Thank you.
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So it comes down to this.
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The MBA has been a dream.
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A dream for most of us before it even began.
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A dream that we all lived through during very turbulent times.
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However, it was a dream that we have all fulfilled.
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And today we stand here, awakened and inspired only to dream bigger.
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15 months have passed and it feels like yesterday that we took the most important decision of our lives.
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And if you think about it, not much has changed.
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We continue to make big decisions.
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But today, there is a difference.
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We are far more prepared better informed, and we have each built our reserve of knowledge against what's to come.
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Thank you.
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The past year, we have transformed personally and professionally.
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And without a doubt, Stavocconi has been instrumental in this process.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank few of many that altered our perceptions
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by reinforcing the values this institution stands by.
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I would like to thank Professor Gatti and Cerrone for reaffirming their faith in financial integrity and ethical conduct.
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- I would like to thank Professor Daveri and Giovanni's fiery debates on the world macroeconomic environment
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that today so govern and impact our decisions.
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Thank you.
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I would like to thank Professor Castellucci who pushed us to think beyond our boundaries.
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in understanding ourselves human behavior in pursuing our ambition that truly defines who we are,
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and ultimately guiding us to becoming extraordinary managers.
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And finally, how can we forget the fun and the sound practicality of Professor Grando,
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where there is a solution beneath the surface of every problem.
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We just have to keep drilling down.
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So I guess what I'm trying to say is what we learned in those classrooms were not just lessons on management.
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They were in fact lessons on life that we will take with us forever.
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Thank you.
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Thank you.
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And then this experience would not have been complete without you.
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You wonderful, bright, eclectic people that made this experience unforgettable.
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the depth of knowledge, and experience that we have shared together in those boxes lunch at Friends,
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coffee chats at Francisco's, and our several night outs together.
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those interactions will be priceless and unforgettable.
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For we have created something far stronger than a network.
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we have created a bond.
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a bond of respect, friendship and gratitude.
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Thank you.
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Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the families that are here today and those that were not able to make it.
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Thank you for believing in us and allowing us to live this dream.
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I thank Stavokoni for empowering our minds with a more open one.
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Thank you and good luck.
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Context & Background

The commencement speech delivered at the 2012 SDA Bocconi MBA graduation ceremony reflects on a transformative journey that both the speaker and fellow graduates have shared over a challenging yet rewarding academic year. Throughout the speech, key themes of personal growth, the importance of relationships, and an appreciation for the learning environment emerge. The speaker expresses gratitude for the knowledge gained and the bonds formed, emphasizing the lessons learned extend beyond the classroom, impacting life and career significantly. This context serves as an enriching backdrop for English learners, offering insights into professional vocabulary and articulation in a formal yet relatable setting.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • "It comes down to this." – A phrase used to introduce a crucial point or summary.
  • "We are far more prepared." – Highlighting personal growth and readiness for future challenges.
  • "Lessons on life." – Reflecting on the valuable insights gained that go beyond academic learning.
  • "Thank you for believing in us." – An expression of gratitude, reinforcing supportive relationships.
  • "A bond of respect, friendship, and gratitude." – A phrase illustrating the strong interpersonal connections formed during shared experiences.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively utilize this video for learn English with YouTube and improve your English speaking practice, follow these steps:

  1. Choose the Right Segment: Start with a short segment of the speech, such as the introduction. This will make it easier to focus without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Watch and Listen: Play the video while paying close attention to the speaker's intonation, speed, and pronunciation. This will help you understand the rhythm of natural speech.
  3. Pause and Imitate: After a sentence or phrase, pause the video. Repeat what was said, mimicking the speaker's tone and pace. This is a key aspect of shadow speech.
  4. Record Yourself: Use your phone or another device to record your imitation. Listening to your own voice helps identify areas for improvement in clarity and accent.
  5. Practice Regularly: Repeating this exercise daily, using different segments, can significantly enhance your fluency and confidence in English dialogue. This is especially effective for IELTS speaking practice as it provides a variety of contextual vocabulary and expressions.

By consistently engaging with this content through a shadowing site, learners can refine their speaking skills and develop a deeper understanding of how to effectively communicate in both casual and professional 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 →