Shadowing Practice: Go Deeper with Us on Substack - Learn English Speaking with Video

This video has 12 sentences and 194 words to shadow. The speech runs for 0:53. The speaker talks fast, about 218 words per minute, so expect linked and reduced sounds. 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

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

• podcast /ˈpɑdˌkæst/ (noun) — A program, especially an audio program, produced on a regular basis, delivered over the Internet in a compressed digital format and designed for playback on…
• listener /ˈlɪs(ə)nɚ/ (noun) — Someone who listens, especially to a speech or a broadcast.
• engage /ɪnˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/ (verb) — To engross or hold the attention of; to keep busy or occupied.
• ease /iz/ (verb) — To free (something) from pain, worry, agitation, etc.
• wherever /(h)wɛɹˈɛvɚ/ — Regardless of the place in, at or to which.
• announce /əˈnaʊn(t)s/ (verb) — To give public notice of, especially for the first time; to make known.
• essay /ˈɛs.eɪ/ (noun) — A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
• tension /ˈtɛnʃən/ (noun) — The condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.
• subscribe /səbˈskɹaɪb/ (verb) — To write (one’s name) at the bottom of a document; to sign (one's name).
• disagreement /dɪsəˈɡɹiːmənt/ (noun) — An argument or debate.
• inbox /ˈɪnbɑks/ (noun) — A container in which papers to be dealt with are put.
• nuance /ˈnjuː.ɑːns/ (noun) — A minor distinction.
• thoughtfulness /ˈθɔt.f(ə)l.nəs/ (noun) — Thoughtful and considerate attention.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

• hear from (verb) — To receive updates or opinions from (someone).
• look forward to (verb) — To anticipate, expect, or wait for, especially with a feeling of approval or pleasure; to be excited or eager to.
• think about /ˈθɪŋk əˌbaʊt/ (verb) — To ponder.

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 5 contractions and reduced forms, such as we're, I've, we've. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

How to practise with this video

1. Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
2. Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
3. Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like podcast, listener, engage.

Grammar in this video

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