This video has 66 sentences and 519 words to shadow. The speech runs for 7:22. The speaker talks slowly, about 71 words per minute, so there is time to copy every sound. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.

Key vocabulary in this video

15 less common words from the video, with pronunciation and meaning:

shadow /ˈʃædəʊ̯/ (noun) — A dark image projected onto a surface where light (or other radiation) is blocked by the shade of an object.
timeline /ˈtaɪmˌlaɪn/ (noun) — A graphical representation of a chronological sequence of events (past or future).
pause /pɔːz/ (noun) — A temporary stop or rest; an intermission of action; interruption; suspension; cessation.
naturally /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/ (adverb) — In a natural manner.
chart /t͡ʃɑɹt/ (noun) — A map illustrating the geography of a specific phenomenon.
proposal /pɹəˈpoʊzəl/ (noun) — A scheme or design.
shortly /ˈʃɔɹtli/ (adverb) — In a short or brief time or manner; quickly.
technique /tɛkˈniːk/ (noun) — The practical aspects of a given art, occupation etc.; formal requirements.
refer /ɹɪˈfɜː/ (verb) — To direct the attention of (someone toward something).
skill /skɪl/ (noun) — A capacity to do something well; a technique, an ability, usually acquired or learned, as opposed to abilities that are regarded as innate.
smooth /smuːð/ (adjective) — Having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.
summary /ˈsʌm.ə.ɹi/ (noun) — An abstract or a condensed presentation of the substance of a body of material.
input /ˈɪnpʊt/ (noun) — The act or process of putting in; infusion.
participation /pɑːˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/ (noun) — The act of participating, of taking part in something.
feedback /ˈfiːdˌbæk/ (noun) — Critical assessment of a process or activity or of their results.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

send out (verb) — To issue, dispatch or transmit.
follow up (verb) — To take further actions remaining after an event; to continue, revisit, or persist; especially, to maintain communication or verify.
go over (verb) — To look at carefully; to scrutinize; to analyze.
going over (noun) — An inspection, examination, review, or investigation.
hear from (verb) — To receive updates or opinions from (someone).
lead on (verb) — To mislead, to try to make someone believe a lie.
look forward to (verb) — To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure; to be excited or eager to.
set up /ˌsɛt ˈʌp/ (verb) — To make ready for use.

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 14 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'll, I'm, we're. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: smooth /smuːð/, rhythm /ˈɹɪð.əm/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: shadow /ˈʃædəʊ̯/, shortly /ˈʃɔɹtli/, participation /pɑːˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/, presentation /ˌpɹɛzn̩ˈteɪʃn̩/, patience /ˈpeɪ̯.ʃəns/
Long words — get the stress right: naturally /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/, participation /pɑːˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/, intermediate /ɪn.tə(ɹ)ˈmi.di.ət/, consistency /kənˈsɪs.tən.si/, intonation /ɪntəˈneɪʃən/

How to practise with this video

Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like shadow, timeline, pause.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

Structure	In the video
Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good idea	should focus · should consider · should keep
Superlatives the -est / the most … — the top or bottom of a group	the most effective · the latest
Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing form	consider adjusting · avoid making
Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction	will say · will become · I'll send

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 →