Shadowing Practice: English Shadowing Practice | A2 | Calling Customer Service - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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You want to call customer service in English, but when the person says, how can I help you, your mind goes blank.
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You know the problem, you know what you want, but explaining it clearly on the phone feels stressful.
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Today, we'll practice real customer service English, step by step.
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You'll explain an issue, give your account number, ask for help, and talk about a refund or replacement.
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First useful phrase, I'd like to report an issue.
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Repeat after me, I'd like to report an issue.
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Good.
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Now more naturally, I'd like to report an issue.
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Nice.
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You already sound clearer.
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Welcome to English Easy Flow, the podcast that helps you listen, repeat, and speak English naturally.
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I'm Jennifer.
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And I'm Marco.
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Today we're practicing a real phone call, calling customer service.
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Smiling.
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Marco, have you ever called customer service and suddenly forgotten normal words?
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Oh, yes.
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One time I called about my internet.
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I wanted to say I have a connection problem, but I said, my internet is sleeping.
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That is almost poetic.
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The agent understood me, but today we'll make it easier.
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No sleeping internet.
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Clear English.
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Exactly.
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First, let's open the call politely.
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Customer service may ask, how can I help you?
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You can say, I'd like to report an issue with my service.
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Repeat slowly.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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Now, natural speed.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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Great.
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Notice the soft beginning, I'd like to.
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It sounds polite and calm.
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Now let's add your account number.
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Listen first.
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My account number is 4829.
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Repeat after me.
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My account number is 4829.
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Good.
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Now answer with your own number, or say any number for practice.
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My account number is blank.
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Nice.
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On a real call, say the numbers slowly.
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Let's build a short customer sentence.
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Listen.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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My account number is 4829.
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Repeat the full sentence.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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My account number is 4829.
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Excellent.
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That is a strong opening.
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Now, let's explain the problem.
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For today, the problem is a connection problem.
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A clear sentence is, I'm having a connection problem.
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Repeat slowly, I'm having a connection problem.
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Now more naturally, I'm having a connection problem.
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Good, you can add time, it started this morning.
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Repeat, it started this morning.
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Now put it together, I'm having a connection problem, it started this morning.
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Great, complete this sentence, I'm having a blank problem.
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Nice!
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You could say connection problem, billing problem, or delivery problem.
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Now, customer service may say, let me check that for you.
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That means they will look at your information.
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You can answer politely.
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Listen.
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Thank you.
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I appreciate it.
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Repeat.
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Thank you.
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I appreciate it.
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Good.
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Now say it warmly.
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Thank you.
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I appreciate it.
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Nice.
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That sounds natural and respectful.
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Here is a tiny call.
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Listen first.
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How can I help you today?
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I'd like to report an issue with my service.
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Could you give me your account number, please?
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Sure.
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My account number is 4829.
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Let me check that for you.
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Thank you.
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I appreciate it.
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Now you try one answer.
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I ask, how can I help you today?
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Great.
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You can say, I'd like to report an issue with my service.
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Now let's practice asking for help.
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A very useful phrase is, could you please help me with this?
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Repeat slowly.
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Could you please help me with this?
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Now, natural speed.
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Could you please help me with this?
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Beautiful.
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Could you please is polite but still direct.
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Let's make it specific.
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Could you please help me fix the connection problem?
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Repeat.
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Could you please help me fix the connection problem?
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Good.
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Answer out loud.
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What problem do you need help with?
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Nice.
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You can say, I need help with a connection problem.
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Sometimes the agent asks a question you don't understand.
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That is normal.
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Useful phrase.
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Could you please repeat that?
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Repeat after me.
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Could you please repeat that?
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Now say it naturally.
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Could you please repeat that?
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Good.
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That phrase can save the whole conversation.
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Playfully.
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It's much better than saying, my English has left the building.
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Yes.
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Simple is better.
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Could you please repeat that?
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Now special speaking practice.
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I'll say a sentence you repeat out loud.
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Sentence 1.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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Sentence 2.
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My account number is 4829.
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Sentence 3.
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I'm having a connection problem.
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Sentence 4.
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Could you please help me with this?
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Sentence 5.
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Could you please repeat that?
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Excellent!
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You just practiced the center of the phone call.
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If this practice helps you speak English with more confidence, subscribe to English EasyFlow.
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Here, we practice slowly, clearly, and regularly.
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Now, let's talk about the solution.
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Maybe you want a refund.
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Or maybe you want a replacement.
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A refund means they give your money back.
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A replacement means they send another product.
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Listen.
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I'd like to ask for a refund.
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Repeat.
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I'd like to ask for a refund.
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Now, natural speed.
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I'd like to ask for a refund.
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Good.
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Now another option.
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I'd like to ask for a replacement.
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Repeat.
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I'd like to ask for a replacement.
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Now say it naturally.
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I'd like to ask for a replacement.
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Great.
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If the problem is with a product, a replacement may be better.
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If you don't want the product, a refund may be better.
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Answer out loud.
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Would you prefer a refund or a replacement?
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Nice.
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You can say, I'd prefer a refund or I'd prefer a replacement.
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Let's practice responding to common questions.
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Question 1.
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When did the problem start?
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Good.
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You can answer, it started this morning.
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Question 2.
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Have you tried restarting the device?
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Nice.
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You can answer, yes, I have, but it still doesn't work.
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Repeat that answer.
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Yes, I have, but it still doesn't work.
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Great.
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That is very useful customer service English.
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Now mini-roleplay.
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You're the customer.
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Marco is the agent.
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Answer out loud.
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Thanks for calling customer service.
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How can I help you today?
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Good.
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You can say, I'd like to report an issue with my service.
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Could you give me your account number, please?
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Nice.
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You can say, sure, my account number is 4829.
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What seems to be the problem?
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Great.
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You can say, I'm having a connection problem.
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It started this morning.
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Let me check that for you.
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Good.
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You can say, thank you.
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I appreciate it.
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Now, let's make it a little more natural.
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Sometimes you need to explain the issue clearly, but not too long.
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A good customer service sentence has three parts.
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The problem, the time, and what you need.
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Listen.
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I'm having a connection problem.
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It started this morning.
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Could you please help me fix it?
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Repeat the three-part answer.
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I'm having a connection problem.
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It started this morning.
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Could you please help me fix it?
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Excellent.
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Now use your own voice.
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Say the problem, the time, and what you need.
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Very good.
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Even if it wasn't perfect, you practiced real speaking.
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Now, final role play.
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This time, try to answer faster and more naturally.
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You're the customer.
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Customer service.
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This is Jennifer.
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How can I help you?
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Could you please give me your account number?
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Thank you.
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What issue are you having?
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I'm sorry about that.
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Have you tried restarting the device?
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Okay, let me check that for you.
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It looks like we can offer a refund or a replacement.
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Which would you prefer?
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Great, I can help you with that today.
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Relieved.
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Nice work.
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You handled a whole customer service call.
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Now, quick recap.
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Repeat these important phrases one more time.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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I'd like to report an issue.
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My account number is 4829.
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I'm having a connection problem.
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Could you please help me fix it?
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I'd like to ask for a refund.
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I'd like to ask for a replacement.
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Excellent.
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These are real phrases you can use.
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For today's comment challenge, write this sentence.
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I'd like to ask for a blank.
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Say your sentence first.
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I'd like to ask for a blank.
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Then write it in the comments.
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You can write refund, replacement, update, or solution.
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If you spoke out loud today, you did something important.
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You trained your mouth, your ears, and your confidence.
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Like this video, subscribe to English Easy Flow, and continue with another lesson to keep your speaking moving.
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Remember, you don't need perfect English to make a clear phone call.
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You need calm phrases, a little practice, and the courage to start.
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conversation is waiting for you, so you can speak English a little more naturally.
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See you in the next English Easy Flow practice.

Context & Background

In today's globalized world, speaking English has become essential, especially when it comes to interacting with customer service departments. Many learners face the challenge of articulating their issues clearly over the phone. Situations like these often lead to moments of panic when you forget the right words just as the representative asks how they can assist you. In this video, the speakers guide you through essential phrases and strategies to manage these conversations with ease. By using the shadowing technique, learners can gain confidence in their English speaking skills, making the task of explaining issues simpler and less stressful.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • I'd like to report an issue. - A polite way to start your dialogue.
  • My account number is [insert number]. - Essential for identifying your case.
  • Could you provide assistance, please? - A respectful request for help.
  • I would like to request a refund/replacement. - Directly addresses your needs.
  • Can you confirm my request? - Ensures clarity and understanding.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To improve your English speaking practice, try the following step-by-step shadowing process based on the video:

  1. Listen and Repeat: Start by listening to the phrases mentioned in the video. Use the shadow speak method by repeating each phrase after the speakers. This technique will improve your pronunciation and fluency.
  2. Practice in Context: Once you feel comfortable repeating the phrases, simulate a phone call scenario. Imagine you are calling customer service. Start with "I'd like to report an issue," and then add your hypothetical account number.
  3. Record Yourself: Use a shadowing app to record your voice while practicing. Compare your pronunciation to that of the speakers in the video. This self-assessment will help you identify areas for improvement.
  4. Engage in a Conversation: Find a partner or use online resources to practice a full dialogue. Incorporate the phrases you have learned, and don’t hesitate to ask for further clarification if needed.
  5. Review and Refine: Regularly revisit this practice, repeating the process as your confidence grows. Each session will help solidify your understanding of these phrases and improve your overall speaking ability.

By adhering to this structured approach, you can enhance your English speaking skills and tackle customer service calls more effectively. The shadowing technique is not just about repetition; it involves actively practicing engaging dialogues, ensuring that you sound natural and composed in any situation.

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.