Shadowing Practice: How to Talk About MBTI in English - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
1
Welcome to Everyday English Podcast.
2
What if you had a simple key to understanding why you feel drained after a big party
3
while your friend feels totally energized?
4
Or why you love a detailed step-by-step plan, but your colleague seems to just brilliantly wing it every single time.
5
Exactly.
6
That confusion, that moment of, why are they like that?
7
We all feel it.
8
And for many of us, the MBTI, or Myers-Briggs, has been that first key.
9
But how do we talk about it in English?
10
The words can feel technical.
11
Introvert, extrovert, thinking, feeling.
12
What do they really mean in everyday life?
13
Welcome everyone.
14
I'm Anna.
15
And I'm Mark.
16
This is the Everyday English Podcast.
17
And today we're going to talk about MBTI in English, not in a complicated textbook way, in the way friends talk about it at a cafe.
18
So, by the end of this episode, you will gain three things.
19
First, you will know how to describe your own personality type, and others, using simple, clear English.
20
Second, you will stop feeling confused about the core MBTI vocabulary.
21
Words like judging or perceiving will make sense in a real-life way.
22
And third, you will feel more confident asking questions and connecting with people about personality, all in English.
23
Sound good?
24
Let's start with the basics.
25
Mark, when someone asks you, what's your MBTI, what are they really asking?
26
They're asking, what's your four-letter code?
27
It's like a personality shorthand.
28
The test gives you four letters, like I'm an ENFP.
29
And I'm an INFJ.
30
But those letters are just labels.
31
The real value is in the stories behind them.
32
Let's break down the first letter.
33
This is the one most people know.
34
E or I.
35
Extroversion and introversion.
36
But it's not about being loud or shy, it's about your energy.
37
Yes.
38
Let's do a mini-story.
39
Imagine two friends after a big office party.
40
Wow, that party was amazing.
41
I met so many new people.
42
I feel so energized.
43
Hey, do you want to go get a coffee and talk about it?
44
It was really nice, yes, but I think I need to go home now.
45
I need some quiet time to think and recharge my batteries.
46
So Dave, the E, gets energy from people.
47
Socializing fills his tank.
48
And Lisa, the I, uses energy in social situations.
49
She recharges her tank by being alone or with one close person.
50
It's about the source of your energy.
51
Exactly.
52
So a simple way to say it in English is, I'm more of an extrovert.
53
I get energy from people.
54
Or, I lean towards introversion.
55
I need quiet time to recharge.
56
Let's practice.
57
Repeat after me for the extroverts.
58
I get energy from people.
59
And for the introverts, I recharge with some quiet time.
60
Good.
61
Now, the second letter is about how you take in information, S or N, sensing and intuition.
62
This is a big one.
63
Sensing types focus on the facts, the details, the present reality.
64
Intuition types focus on patterns, possibilities, and the big picture.
65
Another mini-story.
66
Two friends are planning a holiday.
67
Okay.
68
The flight leaves at 7.15 a.m.
69
We need to be at the airport by 5.15.
70
The hotel confirmation number is 48921.
71
The weather forecast says sun, so pack sunscreen.
72
What's the first thing you want to do when we land?
73
I just keep imagining the feeling of the warm sun on my skin and the smell of the ocean.
74
I have this feeling we're going to have a magical, life-changing experience.
75
Maybe we'll meet someone who teaches us something profound.
76
See?
77
I'm talking concrete details.
78
Anna is talking about feelings, impressions, and possibilities.
79
So you might say, I'm a very detail-oriented person for sensing, or I'm more of a big picture thinker for intuition.
80
Let's practice that.
81
Repeat after me, for the detail lovers.
82
I notice the specific details.
83
And for the big picture thinkers, I see the bigger picture.
84
Now, the third letter.
85
This is about how you make decisions, T or F, thinking and feeling.
86
Important.
87
This doesn't mean thinkers are smart, feelers are emotional.
88
No. It's about your priority when deciding.
89
A thinker prioritizes logic, consistency, and objective truth.
90
A feeler prioritizes harmony, values, and the impact on people.
91
Let's role play.
92
Imagine two managers deciding who to promote.
93
Candidate A has 12% higher sales numbers and a perfect attendance record.
94
The data is clear.
95
They are the logical choice for the promotion.
96
I see the data, but candidate B has amazing team morale.
97
Everyone loves working with them.
98
Promoting A might hurt team harmony.
99
What about the human factor.
100
Both are valid.
101
It's just a different focus.
102
You could say, I make decisions with my head or I make decisions with my heart.
103
OK.
104
Practice time.
105
For the logical deciders, I follow the logical choice.
106
And for the values-based deciders, I consider the human impact.
107
Finally, the fourth letter, how you deal with the outside world, J or P, judging and perceiving.
108
This one causes a lot of confusion.
109
Judging does not mean judgmental, and perceiving does not mean perceptive.
110
It's about your preference for structure versus flexibility.
111
A judging type likes things decided, planned, and closed.
112
A perceiving type likes things open, flexible, and spontaneous.
113
One more story.
114
Two friends are organizing a weekend.
115
Great!
116
So Saturday, museum at 10 a.m., lunch reservation at 1 p.m., movie at 4 p.m.
117
Sunday, hike at 9 a.m., then free time.
118
I've booked everything.
119
Sounds fun.
120
But what if we see a cool market on the way to the museum?
121
Or, what if the weather is perfect for the beach on Sunday?
122
Let's keep our options open and see how we feel.
123
So, a J might say, I like to have a clear plan.
124
And a P might say, I like to keep my options open.
125
Let's do our last repeat after me.
126
For the planners, I like a clear plan.
127
And for the flexible ones, I like to keep options open.
128
Okay, so we have E or I, S or N, T or F, J or P.
129
16 possible combinations.
130
INFJ, ENFP, ISTJ, and so on.
131
Now, here is our secret tips section.
132
Mark, what's a common mistake people make when talking about MBTI in English?
133
The biggest mistake is using it as a label to put people in a box.
134
To say, you're an ISTJ, so you can't be creative.
135
Or, you're an ENFP, so you're never on time.
136
Exactly.
137
It's a tool for understanding, not for limiting.
138
The secret pro tip is to use the word preference.
139
It's softer and more accurate.
140
Yes.
141
Don't say, I am an introvert.
142
Say, I have a preference for introversion.
143
It means this is your natural style, but you can use other styles when you need to.
144
So let's practice that phrase.
145
Repeat after us.
146
I have a preference for… Good.
147
Now you can fill in the blank.
148
I have a preference for quiet time or big picture thinking.
149
Beautiful.
150
Now, how do we use this in real conversation?
151
Let's listen to a full, natural dialogue.
152
So Anna, I took that personality test we talked about.
153
Oh really?
154
What did you find out?
155
Well, I'm an ENFP.
156
It makes so much sense.
157
I have a preference for extroversion.
158
I love meeting people.
159
And I definitely have a preference for keeping my options open.
160
You know, the P part.
161
That sounds just like you.
162
I'm an INFJ, so I have a strong preference for introversion and intuition.
163
I love thinking about deep ideas and possibilities.
164
Interesting.
165
So when we work on a project, maybe you can help with the big vision and I can help with talking to lots of people for ideas.
166
Perfect.
167
That's how we can use it.
168
To work together better, not to judge.
169
See?
170
Useful, kind, and in simple English.
171
Let's do some active practice.
172
I'll say a sentence and you repeat it, thinking about what might be true for you.
173
Ready?
174
After a long day, I need some quiet time to recharge.
175
I often notice the small details that others miss.
176
When I make a decision, I really consider how it will affect people's feelings.
177
I feel most comfortable when I have a plan and I know what's next.
178
Wonderful.
179
Remember, there is no best type.
180
The goal is self-awareness and understanding others.
181
That's the heartfelt takeaway.
182
MBTI isn't about finding out who you are forever.
183
It's a starting point.
184
It's a language to help you say, oh, that's why I do that, and oh, that's why they do that.
185
It builds bridges.
186
It helps us be more patient, more kind, to others and to ourselves.
187
So our call to action for you today is a specific question.
188
We want you to practice in the comments.
189
Don't just write your four letters.
190
We want you to write one sentence about yourself using the language we practiced today.
191
For example, I have a preference for big picture thinking, and I like to keep my options open.
192
Or, I make decisions with my head, and I love a clear plan.
193
Tell us one small preference you have.
194
We will read your comments, and we will be so happy to see you practicing.
195
Thank you for spending this time with us, learning the language of understanding.
196
Keep practicing your English.
197
And keep discovering the wonderful, complex, and beautiful person you are, and the people around you are too.
📺 Same Channel
C11
The Psychology of People Who Prefer Staying At Home
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
A23
How to Talk About Overthinking in English
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B125
How To Talk About Yourself Confidently – A2–B1 | Real English
Interview EnglishTeensDaily Conversation
B11
How to Talk About Your Age Politely in English (Without Feeling Awkward)
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
Talk About Household Chores in English – A2–B1 English | Easy English
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
A23
How to Talk About Your Family in English
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
A23
How To Use Present Continuous in English
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
B159
Talk About Social Anxiety in English – Easy English Conversation
TeensDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B1Talk About Your Morning Routine in English | A2–B1 English | Real English
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
✨ Recommend Video
B12
350 sentences
Which Coffee Personality Are You? | Fun English Listening Practice
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B1221 sentences
English Tips | The Tommy Podcast | Episode 12
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B21
111 sentences
Is Myers Briggs Just Astrology for Smart People?
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B11
626 sentences
How to Use Could, Would & Should in Real English Conversations
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B121
180 sentences
How to Talk About Your Job & Career in English (A2-B1 English Podcast)
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B15
9 sentences
Personality | Everyday English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
288 sentences
English Podcast For Easy English Conversation | Be So Calm It Makes People Nervous
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B1304 sentences
Learn English With Podcast | English Podcast Conversation | Episode 23 | Intermediate Level
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B11
70 sentences
🟢 Describing People | Daily English Conversation | English Speaking Practice | English Shadowing
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B13
268 sentences
English Listening Practice - Introverts and Extroverts
American AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B13
50 sentences
How would you describe your personality?
Interview EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B12
392 sentences
Why You Understand English But Can’t Speak (The Passive Brain Trap) | Easy English Conversation
Interview EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This B1 speaking lesson is built on the video “How to Talk About MBTI in English”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: preference, English, letter, feeling, Mbti. This video has 197 sentences and 1584 words to shadow. The speech runs for 10:34. The speaker talks at a natural 150 words per minute, close to everyday conversation. Only 80% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.
Key vocabulary in this video
The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| preference noun | /ˈpɹɛf(ə)ɹ(ə)ns/ | The selection of one thing or person over others (with the main adposition being "for" in relation to the thing or person, but possibly also "of") |
| recharge verb | /ɹiːˈtʃɑː(ɹ)dʒ/ | To charge an electric battery after its power has been consumed. |
| litter noun | /ˈlɪt.ɚ/ | Straw, grass, and similar loose material used as bedding for people or animals. |
| introversion noun | /ɪntɹəˈvəɹʒən/ | A turning inward, particularly |
| thinker noun | /ˈθɪŋ.kɚ/ | One who spends time thinking, contemplating or meditating. |
| intuition noun | /ˌɪn.tjuːˈɪʃ.ən/ | Immediate cognition without the use of conscious rational processes. |
| perceive verb | /pɚˈsiv/ | To become aware of, through the physical senses, to see; to understand. |
| logical adjective | /ˈlɑd͡ʒɪkəl/ | In agreement with the principles of logic. |
| decider noun | /dɪˈsaɪdə(ɹ)/ | A person, divinity, or authoritative text which decides. |
| energize verb | /ˈɛnəd͡ʒaɪz/ | To invigorate; to make energetic. |
| extroversion noun | The condition of being inside out, especially in relation to the bladder. | |
| extroverted adjective | /ˈɛkstɹəˌvəɹtɪd/ | Turned or thrust outwards, especially |
| feeler noun | /ˈfiːləɹ/ | Someone or something that feels. |
| introverted adjective | /ˈɪn.tɹəˌvɜːɹ.təd/ | Thinking about internal or spiritual matters. |
| prioritize verb | /pɹaɪˈɒɹ.ə.taɪz/ | To value, do, or choose something first, or before other things. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| find out verb | To discover, as by asking or investigating. |
| break down verb | To stop functioning. |
| work together verb | To be coworkers with someone; to share a workspace with someone. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Let's start with the basics.
- They're asking, what's your four-letter code?
- Let's break down the first letter.
- What's the first thing you want to do when we land?
- What did you find out?
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 | has been · I've booked |
| Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing form | stop feeling · keep imagining · loves working |
| Possibility with “might / may” might/may + verb — something that is possible but not certain | might say · might hurt · might be |
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | will gain · will know · will stop |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 24 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, you're, don't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: introversion /ɪntɹəˈvəɹʒən/, intuition /ˌɪn.tjuːˈɪʃ.ən/, confusion /kənˈfjuːʒən/, shorthand /ˈʃɔɹthænd/, socialize /ˈsoʊʃəlaɪz/
- Long words — get the stress right: introversion /ɪntɹəˈvəɹʒən/, intuition /ˌɪn.tjuːˈɪʃ.ən/, extroverted /ˈɛkstɹəˌvəɹtɪd/, introverted /ˈɪn.tɹəˌvɜːɹ.təd/, prioritize /pɹaɪˈɒɹ.ə.taɪz/
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 preference, recharge, litter.
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.