Shadowing Practice: HOW TO START TALKING TO PEOPLE 💬 - Learn English Speaking with Video

My name's Shawna and I say I have trained myself to be very good with conversation despite having social anxiety.

You wanna know how I got here?

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the channel!

If you're new, if you're not, if you're a member of Shaw Nation, damn me up real quick.

Actually, let's do a better one.

Yeah!

That's how it's done.

I'm telling you.

Today, We're gonna have a sit down.

We're gonna have a real ass talk about struggling with conversation today because guess what bitch?

I know how it feels.

I am such a...

I'd like to say at least I am such a smooth talker.

Like I've been really good with conversation these past few years.

But like people get shocked when I tell them I have anxiety.

I really used to be afraid of people, especially like groups of people.

Ugh, it really sucks hanging out in groups of people

when you don't know how to talk in the first place

because then you just feel ignored the whole time and you go home feeling sad.

I wanted to fix that.

So I did and it's a huge flex and I'm really proud of myself for it.

So let's talk about that.

Hashtag Good Mythical Morning.

You got gay cool people?

When I think of myself as a socially anxious person, I imagine myself as a little 14 year old.

Little 14 year old Shauna girl.

I was severely alone, like in real life.

I did not have a lot of friends at that age at all.

Um, but I did have a lot of online friends.

I bring up online friendships, not in a bad way.

But I will say they really conditioned me to only be able to talk or type.

Behind your screen.

Never had any face to face practice. Or contact.

Besides school, but I would skip every fucking day, so whatever.

When I was face to face with someone, I would let them take the wheel completely.

I would hope to God they knew what to say.

Cause if they didn't, I wasn't gonna break the ice.

I didn't know how, that's too scary.

And then there's gonna be an awkward silence.

And it's gonna get awkward, and I'm gonna get scared because I feel embarrassed and I don't know what to do.

And then I'm gonna go home.

and feel really stupid and small.

And group settings didn't help either because like I said, I would just let others take control of the conversation.

I would never add anything myself and that would kind of make me feel like I was excluded from the group.

But yeah, and then I'd go home and I'd feel stupid again for not contributing to the group.

I cannot keep doing this.

And the worst part was when I wanted to talk so bad, but I was already so embarrassed that I haven't been talking that I literally like couldn't talk.

Like it feels like it My throat was closing up.

It's like the same feeling like

when you get choked up before you start crying except I wasn't gonna cry I was just

so fucking stressed cuz I didn't know what to say

if you know you know because I know and I'm so sorry and I'm here to help you today

Hopefully I hope you take a few notes.

So get out a pen and paper and let mama take the wheel Okay, my first piece of advice tip one if you're feeling like choked up like that if you get that way

such fucking like, just go outside advice.

But please believe me, it helps.

Deep breathing.

I know when people say just breathe, like you kinda get mad and you're like, I am breathing, but please breathe.

I know you're probably getting, I gotta fucking breathe.

I'm getting it worked up.

The fuck?

Just like slow your breathing for a moment and really just like think about what you want to say.

Like just think.

What's on your mind?

It could be on topic or off topic.

Just feel out the vibe.

I'm not saying sit there like you Like waiting the dog, but like you know just sit there like I This is true.

I don't know just breathe bitch.

So when you're in a state You got your little breaths in.

You actually like feel calm enough to start talking.

The moment that hits... In the middle of

that exhale start talking whatever you got to say whatever you

want to say just whatever you're thinking of just start talking don't hesitate

if you Stutter keep going if you get embarrassed

if you fucking cough weird you got clear throat who cares

keep talking girl It's like taking a shot of vodka like I and then you drink.

Except you exhale and then you just start talking.

Really though, like, exhaling and then talking, like, and just not thinking.

Just think about the exhale rather than what's coming out of your mouth, honestly.

Girl, talk to strangers!

That's the second tip!

Talk to a fucking stranger.

Say hi to a bitch!

Put yourself out there!

Like, this is the number one way I have built up, like, my confidence.

This is probably the most valuable tip I'm gonna give you, so listen up.

Yes, talking to strangers!

Like, friends are fun, and, like, good practice, and nice to see of course, but, like, talking to strangers, that's where you're gonna get better at phone calls, that's where you're gonna get better at public speaking.

If you do that, I don't, but, like...

I mean, I kinda do.

speaking from the privacy of my own home it is talking

to strangers is legit like the best exposure therapy like tip I can give you for talking to strangers for

Conversation in general.

It's all about exposure therapy girl It's all about practice practice makes perfect

and the best part is even if it turns sour girl it's a stranger oh Bye -bye.

I never got to see you again.

It's not that deep.

Don't get that like caught up over it.

100

If it turns sour just let go move on girl It's kind of hard

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when you're so fucking shy and anxious

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that like the slightest fucking leave me alone will send you into I'm sorry mode

103

but you gotta learn to just let it go a good way to start like I putting yourself out there

104

and like talking to people more is start by like asking questions Like, do you know the way to this street? Or...

105

do you know what time the bus comes?

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Fucking how are you?

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Literally, like, if someone is like standing next to you, bus stop or something, What's up?

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You know, how are you?

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We - we up to.

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That can go so far and like that bitch might be the same as you girl trying to talk to people.

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Anyone.

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That can make someone's fucking day.

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And it can make your day too if it sparks something up.

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It could be a real touching fucking convo at the end of the day.

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And after a while you'll start getting more comfortable with asking more like friendly or like Not personal, but like, can I bum a cigarette?

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Where do you shop at?

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Like your clothes are cute.

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Where do you shop at?

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Apply the same principles as the deep breathing tip to this tip.

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Like don't think too hard, just talk.

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You cannot care too much about what comes out of your mouth

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or else you will hesitate and you'll zip your fucking lips.

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I mean like of course think about how the other person feels, like feel out the vibe, but like at the same time like just talk to someone bro.

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Say what is on your mind.

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Like, be real!

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If you're thinking it, say it.

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Tell us your truth.

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Talk about the goddamn weather if you want.

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Like, who cares if it's been said?

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If it's a gorgeous day?

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Pretty nice out, isn't it?

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Yeah, it is.

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Like, it's that fucking simple.

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And even if it just stops there, you got your practicing, girl.

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And I will say, like, training your mouth to go with the same speed as your thoughts, it can get you a little bit too chatty sometimes,

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especially if you have ADHD like me.

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Whenever that happens, I'll give you a good comment.

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Conversation starter tip too.

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I just go sorry.

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I'm like talking too fast.

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I have ADHD.

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Oh Sorry I'm off topic, I got ADHD bro.

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You know the number one response I get every single time I say that?

144

Me too.

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Everyone got fucking ADHD bro.

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Like everyone and boom that's another fucking thing to talk about right there.

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Just like learn to snowball your conversation.

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Topic after topic into a big beautiful snowman.

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Does that make sense?

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I don't know, but you know what I mean?

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And give out compliments!

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Don't be a pussy!

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Compliment come on.

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I'm turning red in the face.

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That's a totally passionate.

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I have a given compliments and be kind I've given out

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so many compliments I'm to the point where

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if I don't give someone a compliment like

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if I hesitate I will feel guilty and and sorry the entire fucking day, dude.

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Make someone's day, be there for someone.

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It'll make you feel so good.

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And if the person has kind of like a, thanks, Reaction?

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Let go.

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Think about the positive, like, experiences when that negative shit happens.

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Like, that's happened to me before, but I still give out compliments

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because I think of the people whose faces light the fuck up when I give them a compliment.

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And they're like, "Thank you !" and they compliment me back.

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And it's everything.

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Like, doesn't that feel so good?

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Be like Judy Jupiter.

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Give - make him do a 360 spin when you see a diva on the block.

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Okay?

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Yes.

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I wanted to make this video

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because I've gotten a lot of comments from subscribers being like I'd love to be you

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or like I want to do YouTube I could never start a channel.

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It's always I could never do

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that I could never me neither till I started one like I could never have

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when I was 14 - but now I'm 22

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and I grew a pair of testes

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So I did it like you have to change and I'm not just talking about YouTube I'm talking about conversation.

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I'm talking about anything if you want it

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you would

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that is true as fuck you have to want it just

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like anything else in this world you have to want to

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talk to people to talk to people to be good at talking to them you got to want to talk

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if you want to be shy and like stuck in your shell

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if you're comfortable there then of course you're gonna take a little nap there

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and hibernate but if you're ready to come out and see this world then come out bitch pull your limbs out

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and crawl around and see what's up These sweat pits are distracting me.

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But you know what I mean.

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Like I said, even if you just start by like nodding at people, like, When we see you with someone on the street, do the fucking white guy.

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Hold the door open for someone.

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You're welcome.

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Cool.

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Talk to someone.

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Like that's interacting with people and yes girl you did that.

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Of course you will have awkward or angry encounters like I've worked in customer service girl I've had people screaming at me.

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But you gotta let it go.

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I keep saying that I'm gonna say it like MJ you gotta let it go.

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He took over my body.

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But like just let that go and try again with someone else.

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And I promise you it'll be better next time.

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Like I swear to God.

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But like these tips have helped me thrive socially.

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I swear to God.

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I would be nothing if I didn't try these tips.

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I always say I would be nothing without dot dot dot.

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But like this video bitch like I swear to God is true.

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Like these tips are essential to my everyday life.

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I would be so shut in if it was not for this shit I'm telling you about.

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practicing being good with conversation because it's taken me years.

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I've probably been like actually practicing putting myself out there since I've been like 19?

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18?

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19 probably and the rewards they've been magnificent bro like my life is just so

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Bubbly and fun talking to just anyone I want it's awesome as fuck to be

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so free with conversation and

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so fluid with your speech you watching this video I promise

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you you can get to this state there may be a hater watching being like oh It's because you have pretty privilege.

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I promise you pretty privilege for me is probably only like a third of it.

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The rest is just being so magnetic and kind and passionate about what people have to say.

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I swear to you it's my personality girl.

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The looks, yes, I'm hot.

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But I promise, I hate when people are like it's pretty privilege.

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No bitch, I'm confident and I know how to talk to people.

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People feel confident like opening up to me like when I'm on the bus.

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Like I am magnetic and it's pretty privilege.

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It's 'cause I'm social and I care and people can tell.

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Like people recognize kindness and confidence and I promise you people will return the energy back.

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You will be rewarded heavily, heavily, if you just start talking to people.

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So many opportunities will flow to you.

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It will just bring you so much good karma.

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I could talk about it for hours.

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I'm literally swooning, I'm over here like, "Yeah !" But it's so true, I can't stress it enough.

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I promise to God you can do it.

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I was equally as pretty at 14 People were sour as fuck to me on the street.

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And now I thrive.

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I blossom socially.

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But yeah, that's it.

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Ow!

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I broke my nail.

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Ugh, I didn't break it but it's falling off.

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I have five nails remaining.

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Anyways.

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If you liked this little sit down chit chat, let me know.

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Give this video a little like.

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If you like me, subscribe to my channel.

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You know the drill.

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If you want to follow me elsewhere, almost all my socials are the same handle as this channel.

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Please.

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This B2 speaking lesson is built on the video “HOW TO START TALKING TO PEOPLE 💬”. This video has 249 sentences and 2444 words to shadow. The speech runs for 12:58. The speaker talks fast, about 188 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

The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
compliment noun	/ˈkɑmpləmənt/	An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
exhale verb	/ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/	To expel air from the lungs through the nose or mouth by action of the diaphragm, to breathe out.
privilege noun	/ˈpɹɪv.(ɪ.)lɪd͡ʒ/	A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment.
hesitate verb	/ˈhɛz.ə.teɪt/	To stop or pause respecting decision or action; to be in suspense or uncertainty as to a determination.
sour adjective	/ˈsaʊ.ə/	Tasting of acidity.
socially adverb	/ˈsoʊʃəli/	In a social manner; sociably.
embarrassed adjective	/ɪmˈbæɹ.əst/	Having a feeling of shameful discomfort.
choke verb	/t͡ʃoʊk/	To be unable to breathe because of obstruction of the windpipe (for instance food or other objects that go down the wrong way, or fumes or particles in the air…
thrive verb	/θɹajv/	To grow or increase stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; to enjoy a state of excellent health and well-being; to flourish.
vibe noun	/vaɪb/	An atmosphere or aura felt to belong to a person, place or thing.
passionate adjective	/ˈpæʃənɪt/	Fired with intense feeling.
anxious adjective	/ˈæŋkʃəs/	Nervous and worried.
magnetic adjective	/mæɡˈnɛtɪk/	Of, relating to, operating by, or caused by magnetism.
bubbly adjective	/ˈbʌbli/	Full of bubbles.
chatty adjective	/ˈt͡ʃæti/	Of a person, chatting a lot or fond of chatting.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
give out verb		To utter, publish; to announce, proclaim, report.
come out verb	/ˌkʌm ˈaʊt/	To be discovered; to be revealed.
feel out verb		To attempt to ascertain a person's point of view, or the nature of a situation, by cautious and subtle means.
sit down verb		To assume a sitting position from a standing position.
bring up verb		To mention.
build up verb		To erect; to construct.
close up verb	/kləʊzˈʌp/	To close (remove a gap) completely or fully.
fall off verb		To become detached or to drop from.

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

You wanna know how I got here?
You got gay cool people?
What's on your mind?
You know, how are you?
I don't know, but you know what I mean?

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 trained · I've been · have built
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it	was excluded · been said · will be rewarded

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 105 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, you're, gonna. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: thrive /θɹajv/, cloth /klɒθ/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: socially /ˈsoʊʃəli/, passionate /ˈpæʃənɪt/, anxious /ˈæŋkʃəs/, hashtag /ˈhæʃˌtæɡ/

How to practise with this video

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

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.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

Key vocabulary in this video

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Sentences worth repeating

Grammar in this video

Pronunciation to watch

How to practise with this video

What is the Shadowing Technique?