Shadowing Practice: How to Speak English Fluently | Real Tips That Work | A2-B1 - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
207 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Hi, friends.
2
Welcome back to Daily English Talk, the podcast where you learn real, natural English every single day.
3
Hey, everyone.
4
I'm Tom, and I'm here with the beautiful woman, Lily.
5
If you are watching for the first time, welcome.
6
You are going to love it here.
7
Ow, Tom, you are embarrassing me.
8
Okay, if you have been here before, you already know we upload a brand new English lesson every single day.
9
So if you have not subscribed yet, please tap that subscribe button right in.
10
Today's topic is one of our absolute favorites.
11
We are talking about how to speak English fluently and confidently.
12
Yes, and I have to say, Tom and I have both been through this journey ourselves.
13
Learning to speak another language is not easy, but we have some real tips today that actually work.
14
Tips that are fun, too.
15
No boring grammar rules.
16
Just real, practical advice.
17
Well, maybe a little grammar.
18
Just a little.
19
Just a little.
20
If you want the transcript, vocabulary, and slow audio version, check the Join button below.
21
But before we jump in, I want to ask you something, and this is our question for today.
22
Listen carefully!
23
Tom made one big mistake when he first started speaking English in public.
24
He did something that actually stopped him from improving for a long time.
25
Can you guess what it was?
26
Oh yes, I remember it very well.
27
We are going to come back to this at the end of the episode, so keep listening and see if you can figure it out.
28
Good luck, everyone!
29
Okay, so Tom, let's talk.
30
Tell me honestly, when was the first time you tried to speak English with a real person, like not in class?
31
Oh, wow.
32
Okay, so I was about 17 and my family went on a trip.
33
We stopped at a small cafe and I wanted to order a sandwich. And?
34
came out.
35
The woman behind the counter just stared at me.
36
Oh no!
37
And she was very patient.
38
She waited and waited and then I finally said, I want the...
39
Bread thing.
40
The bread thing?
41
She had no idea what I meant.
42
She showed me four different sandwiches.
43
I just pointed at one and said, "Yes, please," and ran away.
44
You ran away?
45
I walked very quickly.
46
Very, very quickly.
47
Okay, okay.
48
I have one, too.
49
So, when I was in university, I had to give a short presentation in English class.
50
Just two minutes.
51
Very simple.
52
And how did it go?
53
Well, I practiced it perfectly at home.
54
Perfect pronunciation, perfect speed.
55
I felt so good.
56
That sounds great.
57
And then I stood up in front of the class and my brain just deleted everything.
58
Deleted everything?
59
Yeah, like someone pressed the delete button.
60
I stood there for about 10 seconds, which felt like 10 years, and then I said, "Hello, my name is Lily, thank you," and I sat down.
61
That was your whole presentation?
62
I got a very sympathetic grade.
63
Oh, Lily.
64
It happens to everyone, honestly.
65
And that is the whole point of today's lesson.
66
These moments are normal, and there are real things you can do to feel more confident.
67
Alright, before our main lesson, let's look at a small but very useful grammar point, and it connects directly to speaking confidently.
68
Today, we are talking about using I plus verb to express habits and routines.
69
This structure is perfect for talking about what you do to practice English.
70
For example, I practice English every morning, or I listen to podcasts when I walk.
71
Notice the structure.
72
Subject plus verb plus time expression.
73
It is simple but very powerful.
74
Now, here's something many learners get confused about.
75
When you talk about a habit, you use the simple present tense, not the present continuous.
76
English every day means it is your regular habit.
77
So, instead of saying, "I am trying to speak English every day," say, "I try to speak English every day." That sounds much more natural.
78
You will use this structure a lot today.
79
Listen for it in the examples.
80
OK, let's get into our main lesson.
81
Today we have five real tips to help you speak English more fluently and confidently.
82
Real tips, not the boring ones you have heard before.
83
Exactly.
84
OK, tip number one.
85
Tip one: Stop translating in your head.
86
What do you mean by that, Tom?
87
So, when many learners speak, they first think in their own language,
88
That process is very slow, it makes you hesitate, and it makes you nervous.
89
Right.
90
And the other person is just watching you and waiting.
91
Yes.
92
And the more they wait, the more nervous you feel.
93
It's a bad cycle.
94
So, the goal is to start thinking directly in English.
95
Even small thoughts, like when you see a dog, instead of thinking the word in your language first, think "dog." or cute dog.
96
Yes, very cute dog.
97
Start small.
98
Actually, I started doing this on my walk to work.
99
I would just narrate my life in English, like, "I am walking to the coffee shop.
100
It is cold today.
101
I need a warm jacket." That is a little bit like talking to yourself.
102
A little bit, but it works.
103
After a few weeks, my brain stopped needing to translate.
104
The English words just started coming naturally.
105
So try this today.
106
Narrate one small part of your day in English.
107
In your head is fine.
108
No one has to hear it.
109
Tip number two: Learn phrases, not just words.
110
Can you explain this one, Lily? Of course!
111
So many learners spend a lot of time memorizing vocabulary lists, word by word.
112
And vocabulary is important, but if you only know individual words, speaking feels like putting puzzle pieces together slowly.
113
Yes, like I want go coffee shop now.
114
But if you learn whole phrases, they come out much faster. For example, instead of just learning the word "agree," learn the phrase "I
115
totally agree with you." Instead of just "understand," learn "I'm not sure I understand." Can you say that again?
116
These phrases are like pre -built sentences.
117
You don't have to build them from zero every time.
118
conversations, not just words, whole phrases.
119
Can you give us an example?
120
Sure, like, that makes sense, or what do you think about that, or I've never thought about it that way.
121
These phrases are useful in almost every conversation.
122
So this week, every time you learn a new word, try to find one phrase that uses that word.
123
Write it down.
124
Practice saying the whole phrase.
125
Your speaking will become so much more natural.
126
Tip number three, and this one is very important: embrace your mistakes.
127
Oh, I love this one.
128
Most learners are terrified of making mistakes.
129
They think, laugh at me.
130
So they stay quiet.
131
They don't practice.
132
And because they don't practice, they don't improve.
133
Ah, and that is exactly what happened to me in that presentation.
134
I was so afraid of making a mistake that my brain just shut down completely.
135
Exactly.
136
But here is the truth.
137
Native English speakers do not care about small grammar mistakes.
138
They care about connection.
139
They want to understand you.
140
They want to communicate with you. So, instead.
141
Make the mistake, say it wrong, and then notice it, learn from it, and do better next time.
142
I actually started keeping a mistake journal.
143
Every time I made a funny mistake in English, I wrote it down.
144
Really?
145
What's in there?
146
I was so many things.
147
One time I wanted to say I'm full after dinner, but I said I'm pregnant because in my language,
148
a similar word means everyone's faces.
149
I will never forget it.
150
That is amazing.
151
But I never made that mistake again.
152
So, mistakes are actually your best teachers.
153
Write down your mistakes.
154
Laugh at them.
155
They are proof that you are trying.
156
Tip number four: Speak slowly and clearly.
157
Wait, shouldn't fluent speakers speak naturally and smoothly.
158
Many learners try to speak very fast because they think it sounds more native, but when you speak too fast, you make more mistakes and people can't understand you.
159
I did this for so long.
160
I thought speaking fast meant I was good at English, but actually I was just mumbling and confusing everyone.
161
And no one told you?
162
They were too polite.
163
Finally, one of my teachers said, "Tom, I have no idea what you just said." The best kind.
164
She told me to slow down, and when I did, something amazing happened.
165
People understood me much better, and I actually felt more confident.
166
Slowing down also gives your brain more time to find the right word, so you hesitate less, not more.
167
Think of your favorite podcast host or news presenter.
168
They speak clearly and at a medium pace, not super fast, and they sound very professional.
169
slower than you think you need to.
170
Breathe between sentences.
171
You will sound more confident immediately.
172
And tip number five, this one is so useful.
173
Use filler phrases like native speakers.
174
What is a filler phrase?
175
Filler phrases are short expressions you use when you need a moment to think.
176
Native speakers use them all the time.
177
They are completely natural.
178
Yes, for example, I mean?
179
Or, I'm not sure, but I think… These phrases do two things.
180
First, they give you time to think.
181
Second, they make you sound natural and fluent.
182
Personally, I use these all the time now.
183
Instead of going silent and looking panicked, I say, "Let me think." And then I have two or three extra seconds to find my words.
184
And no one notices.
185
They just think you're thoughtful.
186
Exactly!
187
You Some other great filler phrases.
188
What I mean is, to be honest, actually, I think, kind of like, and you know what?
189
Practice these this week.
190
Use them in conversations, even small ones.
191
They will make a huge difference.
192
And that is our lesson for today.
193
Did you enjoy it?
194
Let us know in the comments.
195
Tell us what is the hardest part of speaking English confidently for you.
196
We read every single comment.
197
We love hearing from you.
198
And remember, we upload a brand new English lesson every single day.
199
Every single day.
200
So subscribe right now so you never miss one.
201
Thank you so much for being here today.
202
You are doing amazing.
203
Keep going.
204
Keep speaking.
205
We will see you in the next lesson.
206
Bye for now.
207
Bye everyone.
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
Same Channel
A21
Downtown New York Vocabulary - Slow and Easy English For Beginners
Travel EnglishWorking Adults
B11
30 English Sentences You Need Right Now | Speak English in 10 Minutes | A1–B1
Travel EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B15
ESL Speaking Practice | How I Shadow English Every Day | A1-B1
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
A2How to Practice English Every Day and Speak Confidently | Easy Tips for Beginners
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
B13
Speak English in a Job Interview (Easy Conversation Practice) | A1–B1
Business EnglishInterview EnglishUniversity Students
A2STILL or YET? | English Podcast for Beginners | Learn the Difference Fast
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
B14
Social Media English for Beginners | Useful Words and Phrases | A1–B1
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B1Ordering Fast Food in English | Real Restaurant Conversation Practice | ESL A1-B1
Travel EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B13
Childhood Memories in English | What Lily and Tom Remember
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
What Nobody Tells You About Daily Routine in English | Slow English Podcast for Beginners | A1-B1
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B1🏆 Ready for the FIFA World Cup? Learn Stadium Vocabulary Now
Travel EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B11
FOR or SINCE? | Stop Making This Common Mistake
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B11
Emotions in English | Natural Speaking Practice for Everyday Conversations
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
B13
English Speaking Secrets | How Native Speakers Talk About Their Routines
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
A21
How to Ask for Directions in English For Beginners | Slow Easy English Podcast
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
B12
Build Good Habits 🎯 Learn 10 English Words & Phrases | Slow English Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B1Don't Give Up | Motivational English for Beginners | A1–B1
Business EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B12
How to Introduce Yourself in English | A1–B1 English Podcast for Beginners
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
A2Your Feelings in English | Learn 10 Powerful Emotion Words Now
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
A22
Everyday Café English for Beginners | Real Conversations with Lily and Tom
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
FOR YOU
Recommend Video
B14
344 sentences
Why You Understand English But Can’t Speak? Slow English for Fluency & Shadowing | Easy Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
287 sentences
SPEAK ENGLISH FLUENTLY | 3 Ways To Respond In English
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B27
236 sentences
Introduce Yourself Better in English | Conversation Tips for Intermediate Learners
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B11
459 sentences
How to Speak English Fluently like an American in just 1 Month (Step by step) - Part 1
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
329 sentences
English Listening and Speaking Practice | Learning English Conversation 🗣️ | English Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
337 sentences
How to Think in English — Stop Translating in Your Head | Learning English Podcast 🎧
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
346 sentences
15 Better Ways to Say "I Don't Know" in English (Sound Fluent & Confident!)
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B14
152 sentences
Speak English Fearlessly with this One Question
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B14
72 sentences
Speak Fluent English Without Memorizing Grammar Rules
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
221 sentences
English Tips | The Tommy Podcast | Episode 12
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B15
274 sentences
English Learners Are Doing This Wrong—Here's What Actually Works | English Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
Context & Background
In the engaging video titled "How to Speak English Fluently | Real Tips That Work | A2-B1," Tom and Lily share valuable insights on achieving fluency in English. They relate their personal experiences of navigating the challenges of speaking a foreign language, emphasizing the necessity of real-life practice beyond formal classroom settings. This conversation captures the essence of learning through authentic interactions, illustrating the real struggles and triumphs that learners face when attempting to communicate in English.
Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication
- "I want the... bread thing." - A humorous example showcasing the hesitance while ordering food. This phrase can be modified for various food items to practice similar sentences.
- "Yes, please." - Use this simple yet polite confirmation when making choices. It's versatile for countless daily interactions.
- "Can I help you?" - This phrase is common in service situations and practicing it enhances confidence in offering assistance.
- "I would like to order..." - A fundamental phrase for ordering in restaurants or cafes, helping with fluid communication.
- "Could you repeat that, please?" - This expression shows politeness when faced with misunderstanding, an essential skill in everyday conversations.
Step-by-Step Shadowing Guide
To enhance your English speaking practice, a shadowing technique can be incredibly effective. Here’s a simple guide to implementing shadow speak with this video:
- Listen Actively: Start by watching the video without any distractions. Pay close attention to Tom and Lily's pronunciation, intonation, and natural expressions.
- Break It Down: Identify sections where they discuss key phrases and tips. This could include their anecdotal advice or Q&A moments. Pause after each sentence or phrase.
- Repeat Aloud: Mimic what you hear. Try to improve your English pronunciation as you do this. This step reinforces muscle memory in your speech.
- Practice with Variation: Change the context of the phrases. For instance, instead of ordering a sandwich, pretend you are at a market, buying fruits. This deepens understanding and adaptability.
- Record Yourself: Use your phone or a recording device to capture your attempts. Reflect on your recordings to identify areas of improvement and monitor your progress over time.
Incorporating shadowing into your practice routine is particularly beneficial for anyone preparing for IELTS speaking practice or simply looking to enhance conversational skills. By putting the above tips into action, you’ll find that fluency in English is more than achievable; it's an exciting journey of discovery and connection!
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | have been · have not subscribed · have heard |
| Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing form | started speaking · keep listening · Stop translating |
| Superlatives the -est / the most … — the top or bottom of a group | your best · The best · the hardest |
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | are watching · are talking · am trying |
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.