Shadowing Practice: I understand ♥️ - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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I completely understand and I get these comments every single day, hundreds and hundreds of comments.
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So you're not alone.
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Okay.
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However, have you ever thought about what actually will happen if somebody judges you?
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Like what's the worst that could happen?
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Because all of that is your imagination.
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You don't even know for sure if people judge you.
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And okay, let's say someone laughs at you or mocks you
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or I don't know makes it makes fun of you about how you say something
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or what you say whatever that literally just tells you
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that they are idiots and they just did you a favor
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so now you know who to stay away from because normal well -mannered educated positive people will only support you,
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especially if they have also learned the second language and they know the struggles.
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So think about it this way.
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If you meet somebody that you feel and you have proof, because that could just be your imagination, but if you met somebody that you know for sure
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and you have proof that they are judging you or mocking you or making fun of you, you know that person should not be in your life
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and little by little you get to a point where all
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you have is a supportive uh community environment around you and you just progress and learn and move on

Understanding the Message: Overcoming Fear in Language Learning

The video addresses a common struggle for English learners: the fear of being judged when speaking. The speaker reassures viewers they’re not alone, encouraging them to reframe negative thoughts. This relatable dialogue is perfect for practicing conversational fluency, as it blends empathy with practical advice.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • "I completely understand" – A versatile phrase to show empathy in conversations.
  • "You're not alone" – Comforting and supportive, ideal for connecting with others.
  • "What's the worst that could happen?" – A rhetorical question to challenge anxious thoughts.
  • "They did you a favor" – A positive twist on negative interactions, useful for shifting perspectives.
  • "Little by little you get to a point" – Describes gradual progress, great for discussing growth.

Step-by-Step Shadowing Guide for This Video

Shadowing is a powerful way to improve English pronunciation and fluency. Here’s how to use the shadowing technique with this video:

  1. Listen first: Watch the video once to grasp the message. Notice the speaker’s tone—warm and reassuring. This helps you mimic the emotional context.
  2. Pause and repeat: Use a shadowing app or site to pause after short phrases (e.g., "However, have you ever thought..."). Repeat immediately, focusing on rhythm and stress. Pay attention to how "judges you" is pronounced with a soft "d" sound.
  3. Focus on connected speech: The speaker uses phrases like "hundreds and hundreds" and "little by little" with linked sounds. Practice blending these words to sound more natural.
  4. Record yourself: Compare your recording to the video. Notice differences in intonation—does your voice rise when asking "what's the worst that could happen?" like the speaker’s?
  5. Shadow in real time: Once comfortable, try shadowing without pausing. This trains your brain to process and speak English simultaneously, a key skill for real conversations.

Consistent practice with shadowspeak will help you internalize the language patterns, making them easier to use in daily life. Remember, the goal is to communicate confidently—just like the speaker encourages!

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 →