Shadowing Practice: English Shadowing Challenge | Practice Speaking Real-Life Conversations - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
1
You know the word, it was right there.
2
And then someone asked you a question and your mind went completely blank.
3
You stood there feeling like the only person in the room who couldn't speak.
4
That feeling is exactly why I made this challenge.
5
Seven days, seven conversations, shadowing every day.
6
Shadowing means you speak out loud at the same time as the characters speaking, matching their rhythm and their pace.
7
You don't wait, you speak with them.
8
That's how the words And today we're checking into a hotel, something I'll be doing really soon, in a couple of weeks.
9
You have just arrived after a long journey and you go to the front desk.
10
But there is a small problem waiting for you.
11
Here are the words and phrases you need to know first.
12
To check in.
13
To check in at a hotel means to arrive, confirm your booking at the front desk and get your room key.
14
Next, reservation.
15
A reservation is a booking you made ahead of time.
16
At a hotel, you will usually open with, I have a reservation under the name, followed by your name.
17
versus queen bed.
18
A king and a queen are both standard hotel bed sizes, but a king is larger Many hotels let you specify where you want when you book.
19
Next, complimentary.
20
Complimentary means free of charge.
21
Offered as a courtesy.
22
So, complimentary breakfast means it is included and you do not pay extra.
23
Then, to charge something to the room.
24
To charge something to the room means to add it to
25
your hotel bill rather than paying for it separately at that moment.
26
Next, incidentals.
27
Incidentals are a deposit that hotels hold on your card when you arrive.
28
To cover any potential extras like mini bar use or damages, it is released back to you when you check out if you have not used anything.
29
Then, late checkout.
30
Late checkout means staying in your room past the standard checkout time, which is usually noon.
31
Some hotels offer it for free depending on availability.
32
Others charge a small fee.
33
Next, do not disturb.
34
Do not disturb is a sign or a switch on your hotel room door
35
that tells housekeeping and staff not to knock or enter.
36
Then, to upgrade.
37
To upgrade, a guess means to move them to a better room than the one they booked.
38
Sometimes hotels do this for free as a goodwill gesture.
39
And finally, amenities.
40
Amenities are all the facilities and services a hotel provides.
41
Things like a gym, a pool, a restaurant, or room service.
42
One quick thing before the conversation, I have to mention this handbook again because
43
so many of you got it after day two and you've been writing to me about it.
44
It's the 300 plus English words and expressions handbook, and today's dialogue is a perfect example of why I keep recommending it.
45
Hotels, travel, asking for things, dealing with small problems.
46
The whole conversation runs on the kind of are still struggling with.
47
The handbook has over 300 expressions like this, organized by situation, with example sentences, so you see exactly how to use each one.
48
Travel and hotels has its own little section.
49
Small talk has its own section.
50
Asking for help, complaining politely, all of it.
51
It's a download, so you get it in your email a few minutes after you buy,
52
and you can shadow from it the same conversation.
53
Good evening.
54
Welcome to the Meridian.
55
Checking in?
56
Yes, hi.
57
I have a reservation.
58
The name is Jordan.
59
Jamie Jordan.
60
Jamie Jordan, Let me pull that up.
61
one moment, Okay, I have got you here.
62
A standard king room, two nights.
63
Checking out Sunday morning.
64
Is that right?
65
That is correct, yes.
66
So, I do need to mention something.
67
The room you originally booked had a maintenance issue earlier today.
68
a problem with the heating unit.
69
I am really sorry about that.
70
But what I have done is moved you to a room on the fourth floor.
71
It is a superior room.
72
slightly larger, same rate.
73
so there is no extra charge at all.
74
Oh.
75
Well, that actually sounds fine.
76
Does it have a king bed?
77
I specifically requested one when I made the booking.
78
It does.
79
Yes.
80
King Bed.
81
City View.
82
and it is on the quieter side of the building, away from the street.
83
so in some ways it is actually an upgrade.
84
Okay.
85
That sounds good.
86
I will not complain.
87
Is breakfast included with my rate or is that separate?
88
Breakfast is not included in the standard rate, unfortunately.
89
However, We do have a complimentary coffee and pastry station in the lobby every morning, from 6 until 10.
90
And our restaurant does a full breakfast.
91
which you can either pay for directly, or charge to the room.
92
I will probably just grab something from the lobby.
93
That is fine.
94
What about the gym?
95
is that available to guests yes the gym is complimentary for all guests
96
It is on the second floor and it is open 24 hours, The pool is also available.
97
though that closes at 10 in the evening.
98
Good to know.
99
And the mini bar in the room?
100
How does that work?
101
Everything in the mini bar is charged to your room automatically.
102
when it is removed from the fridge.
103
You will see it itemized on your bill at checkout.
104
On that note, I DO NEED TO TAKE A CARD FOR INCIDENTALS.
105
It is a hold of $50 that is released in full When you check out assuming no extras.
106
Sure, of course.
107
Here's my card.
108
Thank you.
109
Just give me a moment.
110
Perfect.
111
That has gone through.
112
Here are your two key cards.
113
The lifts are just to your right, fourth floor, Room 412.
114
The key cards also get you into the gym and the pool.
115
Great.
116
One thing I wanted to ask, is there any chance of a late checkout on Sunday?
117
My flight is not until quite late in the evening.
118
I cannot confirm it right now.
119
But if you call down to reception on Sunday morning, we can check what the availability looks like.
120
If the room is free for that night, We can usually extend until 2 p .m at no extra charge.
121
That would be really helpful.
122
Thank you.
123
Last thing.
124
The "Do not disturb." Is it a physical sign or is there a switch somewhere?
125
It is a switch just inside the door on the left -hand side as you walk in.
126
When it is on, a light comes on outside your room and housekeeping will not enter.
127
Perfect.
128
That is everything I needed.
129
Thank you so much.
130
"Absolutely, my pleasure." I hope you have a really comfortable stay.
131
Do not hesitate to call the front desk if you need anything at all.
132
We are here 24 hours.
133
Wonderful.
134
Thank you.
135
Good night.
136
Good night.
137
Okay, now you speak.
138
The conversation plays again.
139
Say the customer's words at the exact same time as you hear them.
140
Good evening.
141
Welcome to the Meridian.
142
Checking in.
143
Yes, hi.
144
I have a reservation.
145
The name is Jordan.
146
Jamie Jordan.
147
Jamie Jordan, Let me pull that up.
148
one moment, Okay, I have got you here.
149
A standard king room, two nights.
150
Checking out Sunday morning.
151
Is that right?
152
That is correct, yes.
153
So, I do need to mention something.
154
The room you originally booked had a maintenance issue earlier today.
155
a problem with the heating unit.
156
I am really sorry about that.
157
But what I have done is moved you to a room on the fourth floor.
158
It is a superior room.
159
slightly larger, same rate.
160
so there is no extra charge at all.
161
Oh.
162
Well, that actually sounds fine.
163
Does it have a king bed?
164
I specifically requested one when I made the booking.
165
It does.
166
Yes.
167
King Bed City View.
168
and it is on the quieter side of the building, away from the street.
169
so in some ways it is actually an upgrade.
170
Okay.
171
That sounds good.
172
I will not complain.
173
Is breakfast included with my rate or is that separate?
174
Breakfast is not included in the standard rate, unfortunately.
175
However, We do have a complimentary coffee and pastry station in the lobby every morning, from 6 until 10.
176
And our restaurant does a full breakfast.
177
which you can either pay for directly, or charge to the room.
178
I will probably just grab something from the lobby.
179
That is fine.
180
What about the gym?
181
Is that available to guests?
182
Yes, the gym is complimentary for all guests.
183
It is on the second floor and it is open 24 hours, The pool is also available.
184
though that closes at 10 in the evening.
185
Good to know.
186
And the mini bar in the room?
187
How does that work?
188
Everything in the mini bar is charged to your room automatically, when it is removed from the fridge.
189
You will see it itemized on your bill at checkout.
190
On that note, I DO NEED TO TAKE A CARD FOR INCIDENTALS.
191
It is a hold of $50 that is released in full, when you check out assuming no extras.
192
Sure, of course.
193
Here's my card.
194
Thank you.
195
Just give me a moment.
196
Perfect.
197
That has gone through.
198
Here are your two key cards.
199
The lifts are just to your right, fourth floor, Room 412.
200
The key cards also get you into the gym and the pool.
201
Great!
202
One thing I wanted to ask, is there any chance of a late checkout on Sunday?
203
My flight is not until quite late in the evening.
204
I cannot confirm it right now.
205
But if you call down to reception on Sunday morning, we can check what the availability looks like.
206
If the room is free for that night, We can usually extend until 2 p .m at no extra charge.
207
That would be really helpful.
208
Thank you.
209
Last thing.
210
The "Do not disturb." Is it a physical sign or is there a switch somewhere?
211
It is a switch just inside the door on the left -hand side as you walk in.
212
When it is on, a light comes on outside your room and housekeeping will not enter.
213
Perfect.
214
That is everything I needed.
215
Thank you so much.
216
Absolutely, my pleasure.
217
I hope you have a really comfortable stay.
218
Do not hesitate to call the front desk if you need anything at all.
219
We are here 24 hours.
220
Wonderful.
221
Thank you.
222
Good night.
223
Good night.
224
That's day four.
225
You passed the halfway point.
226
Write day four done in the comments
227
and let me know how does your mouth feel after four days of speaking out loud?
228
Tomorrow is your first phone call dialogue.
229
I think it's going to be the hardest one yet.
230
See you for day five and bye bye.

Context & Background

In today’s globalized world, effective communication is crucial, and mastering English can open doors to new opportunities. This challenge focuses on engaging with real-life conversations, specifically in a hotel setting—an everyday scenario for many travelers. It highlights common situations and phrases you are likely to encounter. By participating in this English shadowing challenge, learners will not only practice their speaking skills but also gain confidence in handling practical dialogues. Whether you are checking in or requesting services during your stay, this practice aims to equip you with essential vocabulary and phrases. You can enhance your english speaking practice through the innovative method of shadow speech, allowing for a more immersive learning experience as you mimic the conversational flow.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • To check in: This phrase is essential when arriving at a hotel. For example, “I would like to check in, please.”
  • Reservation: Use this to confirm your booking, for instance, “I have a reservation under the name [Your Name].”
  • Complimentary: This term indicates free services, such as “Does breakfast come complimentary with the room?”
  • Charge something to the room: You might say, “Can I charge this meal to my room?” when dining in the hotel.
  • Amenities: Referring to hotel facilities, you might ask, “What amenities do you offer?”

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To successfully engage in shadow speaking and improve your English pronunciation through this video, follow these steps:

  1. Watch the Video: Start by watching the entire video to familiarize yourself with the context and tone of the conversation.
  2. Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the pronunciation and rhythm of the speaker as they enact dialogues.
  3. Pause and Repeat: After listening to a segment, pause the video and repeat what you heard aloud. This method will help you practice shadow speech effectively.
  4. Match the Pace: Try to speak simultaneously with the speaker as you become more comfortable. This will greatly aid in your english speaking practice.
  5. Use a Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to observe your mouth movements, ensuring clear pronunciation of each phrase.

By committing to this seven-day challenge, you will gradually improve your English conversation skills and gain confidence in speaking. Remember, you can leverage resources like YouTube to further learn English with YouTube, making your practice engaging and effective.

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.