Shadowing Practice: English Speaking Practice: Advanced Level - Lessons 1 - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
1
Hello?
2
Oh, hello.
3
I wanted to inquire about hiring a room in the village
4
hall for the evening of September the 1st. Let me just see...
5
Err.. yes, we have both rooms available that evening.
6
There's our main hall that's got seating for 200 people.
7
or there's the Charlton Room.
8
Sorry?
9
The Charlton Room: C -H -A -R -L -T -O -N.
10
That's got seating for up to 100.
11
Well, we're organising a dinner to raise money for a charity, and we're hoping for at least 150 people. So...
12
I think we'll go for the main hall.
13
How much would that cost?
14
Let's see.. um.. you wanted it for the evening of September the 1st?
15
Yes, that's a Saturday.
16
So, from 6pm to midnight, that'd be £115.
17
That's the weekend price.
18
It's £75 on weekdays.
19
That's all right.
20
And I have to tell you there's also a deposit of £250, which is returnable, of course, as long as there's no damage.
21
But we do insist that this is paid in cash.
22
We don't take cards for that.
23
You can pay the actual rent of the room however you like, though.
24
Cash, credit card, cheque.
25
Oh, well, I suppose that's OK.
26
So, does the charge include use of tables and chairs and so on?
27
Oh, yes.
28
And what about parking?
29
Yeah, that's all included.
30
The only thing that isn't included is...
31
You said you were organising a dinner?
32
Yeah.
33
Well, you'll have to pay extra for the kitchen if you want to use that.
34
It's £25.
35
It's got very good facilities, good quality cookers and fridges and so on.
36
Okay.
37
Well, I suppose that's alright.
38
We can cover the cost in our entry charges.
39
Right.
40
So I'll make a note of that.
41
Now, there are just one or two things you need to think about before the event.
42
For example, you'll have to see about getting a licence if you're planning to have any music during the meal.
43
Oh really?
44
It's quite straightforward.
45
I'll give you the details later on.
46
And about a week or ten days before your event,
47
you'll need to contact the caretaker - that's Mr Evans - to make the arrangements for entry.
48
He'll sort that out with you.
49
And do I give him the payment as well?
50
No, you do that directly with me.
51
Right.
52
Now, is there anything I need to know about what happens during the event?
53
Well, as you'll be aware, of course, the building is no smoking throughout. Of course.
54
Now, are you having a band?
55
Yes.
56
Well, they'll have a lot of equipment, so rather than using the front door, they should park their van round the back and use the stage door there.
57
You can open that from inside, but don't forget to lock it at the end.
58
OK.
59
And talking of bans, I'm sure I don't need to tell you this,
60
but you must make sure that no one fiddles about with the black box by the fire door.
61
That's a system that cuts in when the volume reaches a certain level.
62
It's a legal requirement.
63
Sure.
64
Anyway, we want people to be able to talk to one another, so we don't want anything too loud.
65
Oh, that reminds me.
66
We'll be having speeches.
67
Are there any microphones available?
68
Yep.
69
Just let the caretaker know.
70
He'll get those for you.
71
Right, now when the event is over, we do ask that the premises are left in good condition.
72
So there's a locked cupboard and you'll be informed of the code you need to open that.
73
It's got all the cleaning equipment, brushes and detergent and so on.
74
Right.
75
So what do we need to do after everyone's gone?
76
Sweep the floors, I suppose?
77
Well, actually they have to be washed, not just swept.
78
Then you'll be provided with black plastic bags, so all the rubbish must be collected up and left outside the door.
79
Of course, we'll make sure everything's left tidy.
80
Oh, and I forgot to ask, I presume we can have decorations in the room?
81
Yes, but you must take them down afterwards.
82
Sure.
83
And the chairs and tables should be stacked up neatly at the back of the room.
84
I'll make sure I've got a few people to help me.
85
Good morning, Youth Council.
86
Caroline speaking.
87
Oh, hello.
88
I'm interested in standing for election to the Youth Council, and I was told to give you a call.
89
That's good.
90
Could I have your name, please?
91
Yes, it's Roger Brown.
92
Thank you.
93
I'm Caroline, the Youth Council Administrator, so do you know much about what the council does, Roger?
94
I've talked to Stephanie.
95
I think she's the chair of the council.
96
That's right.
97
And she told me a lot about it.
98
How it's a way for young people to discuss local issues, for example, and make suggestions to the town council.
99
That's what made me interested.
100
Fine.
101
Well, let me take down some of your details.
102
First of all, how old are you?
103
You know the council is for young people aged from thirteen to eighteen?
104
I've just turned eighteen.
105
And where do you live, Roger?
106
Well, that's a bit complicated.
107
At the moment I'm looking for a flat to rent here, so I'm in a hostel from Monday to Friday.
108
I'd go back to my parents' place at the weekend.
109
OK, so where's the best place to send you some information about the council?
110
'Oh, to my parents' address, please.
111
That's 17 Buckley Street.' B U C K L E I G H Street
112
Stamford Lincolnshire.
113
Though you don't really need the county.
114
Oh, I know Stamford.
115
It's a lovely town.
116
And what's the postcode?
117
P -E -9 7QT.
118
Right, thank you.
119
So are you working here or are you a student?
120
I started studying at the university a couple of weeks ago, and I've got a part -time job for a few hours a week.
121
What do you do?
122
Well, I've done several different things.
123
I've just finished a short -term contract as a courier, And now I'm working as a waiter in one of the big hotels.
124
Uh -huh.
125
That can't leave you much time for studying.
126
Oh, it's not too bad.
127
I managed to fit it all in.
128
What are you studying?
129
My ambition is to go into Parliament eventually, so my major subject is politics.
130
That's partly why I think the Youth Council is important and want to be a part of it.
131
And I suppose you're also taking a minor subject, aren't you?
132
I know a lot of people study economics too.
133
I chose history.
134
To be honest, I'm not finding it as interesting as I expected.
135
OK, so with your studying and your part -time job, do you have time for any other interests or hobbies?
136
Well, I spend quite a lot of time cycling.
137
both around town to get to university and to work, and also long distance, from here to London for instance.
138
That's pretty impressive.
139
Anything else?
140
For relaxation, I'm also keen on the cinema.
141
"'I used to go at least once a week, but I can't manage to go so often now.' Right.
142
Are you sure you'll have enough time for the Youth Council?
143
Yes, I've worked out that I can afford to reduce my hours at work, and that will make the time.
144
So is there any particular aspect of the Youth Council's work that appeals to you, Roger?
145
Well, my sister is blind,
146
so I'm particularly interested in working with disabled young people to try and improve the quality of their lives.
147
That's great.
148
Well, the best way to get involved is to be nominated by some people who you know.
149
Right.
150
Can you tell me how to set about organising that?
151
You should talk to Geoffrey, our elections officer.
152
I can arrange a meeting in the council office with him, if you like.
153
Yes, please.
154
He'll be here next Monday, if that suits you.
155
That's the 14th, isn't it?
156
Yes.
157
I can manage late afternoon.
158
Would you like to suggest a time?
159
He generally leaves around 5 :30.
160
Well, would 4 :30 be okay?
161
My last class finishes at four, so I'd have plenty of time to get to your office.
162
Right, that's fine.
163
Oh, and could I have a phone number we can contact you on?
164
Yes, my mobile number's 07788 136711.
165
Thank you.
166
Well, we'll look forward to seeing you next week.
167
Thanks very much.
168
Goodbye.
169
Bye!
170
Hello?
171
Oh, hello.
172
I wanted to inquire about hiring a room in the village
173
hall for the evening of September the 1st. Let me just see...
174
Yes, we have both rooms available that evening.
175
There's our main hall that's got seating for 200 people.
176
Or there's the Charlton room.
177
Sorry?
178
The Charlton room.
179
C -H -A -R -L -T -O -N.
180
That's got seating for up to 100.
181
Well, we're organising a dinner to raise money for a charity, and we're hoping for at least 150 people. So...
182
'I think we'll go for the main hall.' How much would that cost?
183
Let's see.. um.. you wanted it for the evening of September the 1st?
184
Yes, that's a Saturday.
185
So, from 6pm to midnight, that'd be £115.
186
That's the weekend price.
187
It's £75 on weekdays.
188
That's all right.
189
And I have to tell you there's also a deposit of £250, which is returnable, of course, as long as there's no damage.
190
But we do insist that this is paid in cash.
191
We don't take cards for that.
192
You can pay the actual rent of the room however you like, though: cash, credit card, cheque...
193
Oh, well, I suppose that's OK.
194
So, does the charge include use of tables and chairs and so on?
195
Oh, yes.
196
And what about parking?
197
Yeah, that's all included.
198
The only thing that isn't included is...
199
You said you were organising a dinner?
200
Yeah.
201
Well, you'll have to pay extra for the kitchen if you want to use that.
202
It's £25.
203
It's got very good facilities, good quality cookers and fridges and so on.
204
Okay.
205
Well, I suppose that's alright.
206
We can cover the cost in our entry charges.
207
Right.
208
So I'll make a note of that.
209
Now, there are just one or two things you need to think about before the event.
210
For example, you'll have to see about getting a licence if you're planning to have any music during the meal.
211
Oh really?
212
It's quite straightforward.
213
I'll give you the details later on.
214
And about a week or ten days before your event,
215
you'll need to contact the caretaker - that's Mr Evans - to make the arrangements for entry.
216
He'll sort that out with you.
217
And do I give him the payment as well?
218
No, you do that directly with me.
219
Right.
220
Now, is there anything I need to know about what happens during the event?
221
Well, as you'll be aware, of course, the building is no smoking throughout. Of course.
222
Now, are you having a band?
223
Yes.
224
Well, they'll have a lot of equipment, so rather than using the front door, they should park their van round the back and use the stage door there.
225
You can open that from inside, but don't forget to lock it at the end.
226
OK.
227
And talking of bans, I'm sure I don't need to tell you this,
228
but you must make sure that no one fiddles about with the black box by the fire door.
229
That's a system that cuts in when the volume reaches a certain level.
230
It's a legal requirement.
231
Sure.
232
Anyway, we want people to be able to talk to one another, so we don't want anything too loud.
233
Oh, that reminds me.
234
We'll be having speeches.
235
Are there any microphones available?
236
Yep.
237
Just let the caretaker know.
238
He'll get those for you.
239
Right, now when the event is over we do ask that the premises are left in good condition.
240
So there's a locked cupboard and you'll be informed of the code you need to open that.
241
It's got all the cleaning equipment, brushes and detergent and so on.
242
Right.
243
So what do we need to do after everyone's gone?
244
Sweep the floors, I suppose?
245
Well, actually they have to be washed, not just swept.
246
Then you'll be provided with black plastic bags, so all the rubbish must be collected up and left outside the door. Of course.
247
We'll make sure everything's left tidy.
248
Oh, and I forgot to ask, I presume we can have decorations in the room?
249
Yes, but you must take them down afterwards.
250
Sure.
251
And the chairs and tables should be stacked up neatly at the back of the room.
252
I'll make sure I've got a few people to help me.
253
Good morning, Youth Council.
254
Caroline speaking.
255
Oh, hello.
256
I'm interested in standing for election to the Youth Council, and I was told to give you a call.
257
That's good.
258
Could I have your name, please?
259
Yes, it's Roger Brown.
260
Thank you.
261
I'm Caroline, the Youth Council Administrator, so do you know much about what the council does, Roger?
262
I've talked to Stephanie.
263
I think she's the chair of the council.
264
That's right.
265
And she told me a lot about it.
266
How it's a way for young people to discuss local issues, for example, and make suggestions to the town council.
267
That's what made me interested.
268
Fine.
269
Well, let me take down some of your details.
270
First of all, how old are you?
271
You know the council is for young people aged from thirteen to eighteen?
272
I've just turned eighteen.
273
And where do you live, Roger?
274
Well, that's a bit complicated.
275
At the moment I'm looking for a flat to rent here, so I'm in a hostel from Monday to Friday.
276
I'd go back to my parents' place at the weekend.
277
OK, so where's the best place to send you some information about the council?
278
'Oh, to my parents' address, please.
279
That's 17 Buckley Street.' B U C K L E I G H Street
280
Stamford.
281
Lincolnshire.
282
"'though you don't really need the county.' Oh, I know Stamford.
283
It's a lovely town.
284
And what's the postcode?
285
P -E -9.
286
7QT.
287
Right, thank you.
288
So are you working here or are you a student?
289
I started studying at the university a couple of weeks ago, and I've got a part -time job for a few hours a week.
290
What do you do?
291
Well, I've done several different things.
292
I've just finished a short -term contract as a courier.
293
And now I'm working as a waiter in one of the big hotels.
294
Uh -huh.
295
That can't leave you much time for studying.
296
Oh, it's not too bad.
297
I managed to fit it all in.
298
What are you studying?
299
My ambition is to go into Parliament eventually, so my major subject is politics.
300
That's partly why I think the Youth Council is important and want to be a part of it.
301
And I suppose you're also taking a minor subject, aren't you?
302
I know a lot of people study economics too.
303
I chose history.
304
To be honest, I'm not finding it as interesting as I expected.
305
OK, so with your studying and your part -time job, do you have time for any other interests or hobbies?
306
Well, I spend quite a lot of time cycling.
307
both around town to get to university and to work, and also long distance, from here to London for instance.
308
That's pretty impressive.
309
Anything else?
310
For relaxation, I'm also keen on the cinema, I used to go at least once a week, but I can't manage to go so often now.
311
Right.
312
Are you sure you'll have enough time for the Youth Council?
313
Yes, I've worked out that I can afford to reduce my hours at work and that will make the time.
314
So is there any particular aspect of the Youth Council's work that appeals to you, Roger?
315
Well, my sister is blind,
316
so I'm particularly interested in working with disabled young people to try and improve the quality of their lives.
317
That's great.
318
Well, the best way to get involved is to be nominated by some people who you know.
319
Right.
320
Can you tell me how to set about organising that?
321
You should talk to Geoffrey, our elections officer.
322
I can arrange a meeting in the council office with him, if you like.
323
Yes, please.
324
He'll be here next Monday, if that suits you.
325
That's the 14th, isn't it?
326
Yes.
327
I can manage late afternoon.
328
Would you like to suggest a time?
329
He generally leaves around 5 :30.
330
Well, would 4 :30 be okay?
331
My last class finishes at four, so I'd have plenty of time to get to your office.
332
Right, that's fine.
333
Oh, and could I have a phone number we can contact you on?
334
Yes, my mobile number's 07788136711.
335
Thank you.
336
Well, we'll look forward to seeing you next week.
337
Thanks very much.
338
Goodbye.
339
Bye!
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Why This Video Is Great for English Speaking Practice
Learning English with YouTube gets a boost from this realistic dialogue, which mirrors everyday interactions. The conversation between a room renter and hall manager is packed with natural phrasing, practical vocabulary, and subtle intonation—perfect for honing real-world speaking skills. It’s not just about grammar; it’s about how native speakers ask questions, negotiate details, and clarify information, making it ideal for advanced learners ready to move beyond scripted lessons.
Breaking Down Natural Speech: Key Phrases
Let’s look at what makes the dialogue sound authentic:
- “I wanted to inquire about hiring a room”: Uses “inquire” instead of “ask” for formality, but “wanted to” softens the request—common in polite conversations.
- “That's all right. And I have to tell you there's also a deposit”: The transition “And I have to tell you” feels conversational, not robotic, showing how speakers introduce new info gently.
- “You'll have to see about getting a licence”: “See about” is a phrasal verb that means “arrange,” a natural alternative to “need to get” that native speakers use daily.
A Simple Shadowing Routine for This Video
To master the dialogue, try the shadowing technique: Play a 5-second clip, pause, and repeat it immediately, mimicking tone, pace, and stress. Focus on “shadow speech”—matching the speaker’s rhythm, like the slight hesitation in “Err.. yes, we have both rooms available.” Record yourself, then compare to the video. Notice where your intonation differs (e.g., the rising “Sorry?” when clarifying the room name). Do this daily for 10 minutes, and you’ll soon sound more natural. For extra practice, use a shadowing site to slow down clips, but even repeating directly from YouTube works. The goal is to make these phrases feel like your own.
Whether you’re learning English with YouTube or using dedicated tools, this video offers actionable practice. By breaking down natural speech and using the shadowing technique, you’ll build confidence in real-life conversations.
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.