Shadowing Practice: I’ve Been Talented Since I Was a Baby - Learn English Speaking with Video

Hi, I'm Clover, and boy have I got a crazy story to share with you.

But before I spill the beans, please like and subscribe.

Growing up, my mom and I were constantly butting heads.

She was a marine biologist and dreamt of making me some kind of scientist too.

Unfortunately for her, I loved fashion, and the only person who got me was mom's sister, Aunt Lydia.

Aunt Lydia ran a small boutique in the city, and even though she didn't make much money, she was the happiest person I knew.

She always encouraged me to pursue my interest in fashion and even taught me to sew.

Every day, I would skip school and run to my aunt's boutique to watch her work.

And while I loved it, it didn't reflect well on my report card.

You got a D in science again?

You go to the best school, you have the best tutors, and you still disappoint me.

When I was your age, I didn't even have a school in my area.

I had to walk 10 kilometers, cross a desert, swim through a canal, and walk over three bridges to reach the nearest school.

It was tough, but I was determined to make a life for myself.

That's an exaggeration.

You don't get in the middle of this.

You're ruining my daughter's life, just like you ruined yours.

You're jealous I'm happier than you'll ever be.

If by happy you mean as poor as a street rat, then congratulations, you take the cake!

Mom and Aunt Lydia fought a lot that night, and the next day, Aunt Lydia told me she was moving to another town.

Are you leaving because of Mom?

No, sweetie.

I'm leaving because I want to explore new opportunities.

Then take me with you!

I hate going to school anyway!

You will finish your school and then follow your dreams.

Now, I have something to keep you company while I'm gone.

Aunt Lydia handed me the keys to her boutique, and the cutest Pomeranian puppy I'd ever seen in my life, Bonnie!

And she became my best friend!

Of course, I missed my aunt, but with Bonnie by my side, I felt less lonely.

She followed me everywhere, and to my mom's horror, I even slept in my bed.

Even my friends adored Bonnie, and they gave me the idea to start a vlog based on her.

I posted a bunch of videos with Bonnie, but what really picked up was when I started posting videos of us dressed in coordinated outfits that I designed.

By the time I was 17, my vlog with Bonnie got really popular, and people even started reaching out for custom orders.

I had my aunt's old sewing machine, so I started taking orders online and finally had my own business.

Life was good, but mom still thought I was wasting my time.

Not that I cared.

I was busy making my dreams come true.

Then one evening, I was out walking with Bonnie when I noticed a cute ribbon shop.

I was checking it out when suddenly Bonnie started growling.

I turned around and saw this girl staring in her face.

I knew it was you.

You're the girl who dresses up like her dog on her vlog.

Excuse me?

Oh, don't get me wrong.

I meant that as a compliment.

I'm a big fan.

Her name was Daisy and she told me she was new to the neighborhood.

We talked for a while before I noticed that it was late, so I left.

The next morning, I had one of my big arguments with mom, so I was in a really sour mood.

And as soon as I walked into my class, I saw Daisy sitting at the back.

She saw me too, and slid into the seat next to mine.

And we meet again.

It's like we're destined to be friends.

Anyway, we couldn't talk properly yesterday.

You see, I had this really bad toothache.

I was a kid when I slipped on a mop and broke my front tooth, and it just never got better.

You wanna see?

That's, um, interesting.

But I really need to focus on this class, Daisy.

But why do you need to study?

You're so famous and talented.

Studies are for losers.

You know what?

We should totally hang out after school, and I'll show you this cool place.

This rock is shaped like a weird tarantula.

It's...

Oh my god!

Just stop talking!

You're giving me a migraine!

What part of I need to focus do you not understand?

I'd been a bit louder than I thought, and the whole class fell silent while Daisy looked really hurt.

I wanted to apologize immediately, but before I could, the teacher asked me to leave for disrupting the lesson.

Later that day, I saw Daisy sitting in the cafeteria alone and walked up to her.

Can we talk?

No, I need to focus on this spoon so I can bend it with my mind.

I'm sorry.

I had a really bad argument with my mom and took it out on you.

It's just that my mom doesn't get me.

She just wants me to do whatever she's saying without thinking about what I want.

I get it.

Parents can be so weird sometimes.

My dad's a lawyer and wants me to be just like him.

But I want to be a stand-up comic.

Do you want to hear a joke?

Why does an aunt never get sick?

Because it has antibodies.

Oh, one more.

Why does the ant never smell bad?

Because it wears deodorant.

Get it?

It's hilarious, right?

I couldn't help laughing.

And after that, we ended up spending the whole day together.

Daisy was nuts.

But she really appreciated my work and had all these amazing ideas for my business.

I won't lie.

It felt good to be taken seriously.

100

Soon, Daisy started helping me with my videos.

101

And she hung out at my house all the time.

102

I enjoyed her company, but for some reason, Bonnie just couldn't warm up to her.

103

Once, we were shooting in my living room one day, when suddenly, Bonnie charged at Daisy and grabbed her pants.

104

Daisy lost her mind and jumped in panic.

105

They went round and round in circles before Daisy tripped and fell into this huge shell full of Mom's medals and trophies, and everything came crashing down.

106

Mom heard the noise and came running.

107

Oh my God, what have you done?

108

I worked 850 hours every week to earn these.

109

Oh wow, you did all that and they only gave you this junk?

110

That's sad.

111

Who is this stupid girl and why is she in my house?

112

Allow me to introduce myself.

113

I'm Daisy, Clover's best friend.

114

And you must be your grandma, right?

115

Listen, Grandma, I know you're very hurt that we broke these ugly old trophies, but in my defense, I was being chased by this cute but very ferocious dog,

116

and I just happened to bump into the shelf.

117

Daisy, she's my mom.

118

Oh, so you're the dragon lady?

119

She doesn't mean that, Mom.

120

We're really sorry for breaking your stuff, but it was a genuine mistake.

121

I'm getting tired of your genuine mistakes, Clover.

122

Now clear this mess up, and I never want to see this girl in my house again.

123

Am I clear?

124

After that day, Daisy was banned from my house, which made me so mad.

125

It's not like that was going to stop me from hanging out with her.

126

Soon, it was time to fill out my college applications.

127

I wanted to apply for a design school, but Mom was on my tail to apply for a science program, And we were arguing every day.

128

So one night, when Daisy invited me to hang out with her at this new amusement park, I decided to go because I could really use some fun.

129

But ten minutes into it, I got a frantic call from Mom saying that someone had broken into our home.

130

I immediately took a cab back home and found Mom standing on the porch with Bonnie.

131

Are you okay?

132

We're fine, thanks to Bonnie.

133

I was getting dinner ready when she started barking.

134

And then, I saw this guy jumping off the backyard fence, so I called the police.

135

I kept screaming for you, but you weren't in your room.

136

Where were you?

137

I was hanging out with Daisy, but that's not important.

138

Really?

139

Just like it's not important to tell your mom that you applied for a design school?

140

I got your acceptance letter in the mail today.

141

I got accepted?

142

Why didn't you tell me?

143

Because you're not going.

144

You will go to a science college like I did.

145

Now, I've already spoken to the dean of Harvard, and he's ready to slide a few grades if you do well in your first year in college.

146

But I want to go to design school.

147

I'm good at this.

148

Even Daisy...

149

Do you think I care what Daisy says?

150

Also, you should stay away from her.

151

A lady in the neighborhood was telling me she'd heard Daisy's dad is known to be involved in some shady business deals.

152

She's a bad influence on you.

153

Of course you don't approve of Daisy.

154

How could you approve of anyone who makes me happy?

155

First Aunt Lydia, now Daisy?

156

That's not fair, Clover.

157

Yes, it is.

158

Just like it's fair enough to choose my own career path.

159

I want to study design, so that's what I'll do.

160

Saying that, I grabbed Bonnie's leash and walked outside.

161

I kept walking till I cooled down, and when I stopped, I realized I was in some unknown street.

162

I was trying to figure out my way back, when suddenly, this car stopped out of nowhere, pushed me away, grabbed Bonnie, and left!

163

I ran after the car, screaming for help, when I turned a corner and banged right into something, and I fell and passed out!

164

When I woke up, I was in my room, with Mom and Daisy staring in my face.

165

What happened?

166

What is Daisy doing here?

167

She's the one who found you passed out in front of your school.

168

What were you doing there?

169

My school?

170

But I remember being out on a walk with Bonnie, and then we got lost.

171

Oh my god, Bonnie!

172

Someone kidnapped her!

173

I have to find her!

174

No, we'll have to rest!

175

You're in shock!

176

And as for Bonnie, I'll talk to my dad.

177

I told you he's a lawyer, right?

178

He has friends in the police department who can help!

179

Daisy spoke to her dad, and we filed an official complaint.

180

But a whole week went by, and we got no leads.

181

I even reached out to my older clients and posted on my vlog, but that didn't work either.

182

I was running out of time and patience, so I decided to speak to Daisy if she could ask her dad to fast track the case.

183

But when I called her she didn't answer her phone

184

So I went to her place when I saw a huge truck parked outside

185

and people were moving furniture from inside the house I got closer trying to figure out what was happening

186

when I heard a low growling I looked around and figured

187

that the noise was coming from one of the crates covered with a huge cloth I lifted the cloth

188

and inside was Bonnie and a few other dogs that looked just like her Bonnie saw me and started barking, and then someone sprayed something in my face.

189

Suddenly, my head started spinning, and everything went black.

190

When I woke up, I was in the basement, tied to a pole, with Daisy sitting in front of me.

191

Oh my god, what's happening, Daisy?

192

Why am I here?

193

Let me go!

194

You talk so much, you're giving me a migraine.

195

Blah, blah, blah.

196

That's what you told me in class that day, remember?

197

I wanted to punch your face, but I couldn't, because I needed you to get close to Bonnie. But why?

198

That's when Daisy told me how a couple of months back, her dad made a couple of bad investments and lost all their family money.

199

They lost our house, status, everything.

200

Dad took this huge loan from a crazy mafia lady to start a new business, but that didn't work either.

201

I guess he's just stupid anyway.

202

Now this mafia lady wants her money back, but obviously, we don't have any.

203

So she gave us this crazy challenge to get her all these Pomeranian puppies.

204

Apparently, these lay bags are worth a lot.

205

Also, they're super rare.

206

But what does this mafia lady want these dogs for?

207

Make a coat or something?

208

Or is she just obsessed with puppies?

209

How the heck am I supposed to know?

210

We managed to get a few of them.

211

But when I saw Bonnie on your vlog, I just knew I had to add her to the collection.

212

So I came here, fooled you into being my friend, and waited for the right time to take Bonnie.

213

I would have gotten to her way sooner, but this stupid dog almost bit my dad.

214

He had to jump off the fence and he broke his knee.

215

He's been limping ever since.

216

So it was your dad who broke into my house that night.

217

How could I have been so blind to have trusted a snake like you?

218

No clue.

219

Guess you're as stupid as my dad.

220

Told you I'm funny.

221

That's not funny.

222

I turned around and saw Mom standing in the doorway along with Bonnie and a few policemen.

223

I always knew you were trouble.

224

Daisy growled at my mom before the police handcuffed her and dragged her away.

225

As Mom untied me, Bonnie jumped in my lap and started licking my face.

226

How did you find me, Mom?

227

After Bonnie's kidnapping, I got paranoid and installed this tracking app on your phone.

228

What?

229

Relax.

230

I didn't see you in your room, so I thought you might be at Daisy's.

231

I'm so sorry, Mom.

232

I should have taken your advice and never trusted her blindly.

233

The truth is, you trusted Daisy because she showed faith in you.

234

Which I never did.

235

And I'm really sorry.

236

I've decided I'm sending you to Lydia next month.

237

Her business is growing and she could use an extra hand.

238

Really?

239

I love you, Mom.

240

You're the best.

241

Thank you.

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What You'll Practice in This Lesson

This lesson focuses on real-life conversational English, using a story about family dynamics, dreams, and unexpected opportunities. You'll practice understanding and reproducing natural speech patterns, including casual dialogue, emotional exchanges, and storytelling. It's perfect for english speaking practice and even IELTS speaking practice, as it covers everyday vocabulary, tone shifts, and narrative structure.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

Butting heads: Arguing or conflicting with someone. Example: "Growing up, my mom and I were constantly butting heads."
Spill the beans: Reveal a secret. Example: "But before I spill the beans, please like and subscribe."
As poor as a street rat: Very poor. Example: "If by happy you mean as poor as a street rat, then congratulations."
Coordinated outfits: Matching clothes. Example: "Videos of us dressed in coordinated outfits that I designed."
Sour mood: A bad or grumpy mood. Example: "I had one of my big arguments with mom, so I was in a really sour mood."

Practice Tips for Shadowing

Shadowing (repeating speech immediately after the speaker) is a great way to improve fluency. Here's how to use this video effectively: - Match the tone: The dialogue shifts from playful (talking about Bonnie) to tense (arguments between family members). Notice how the speaker's voice rises with emotion—imitate this to practice natural intonation. This is key for shadow speak success. - Slow down for fast parts: Some lines are spoken quickly (e.g., "I had to walk 10 kilometers..."). Pause the video, break the sentence into chunks, and repeat each part until you can keep up. A good shadowing site can help, but even offline practice works. - Focus on casual phrases: Phrases like "boy have I got a crazy story" are common in daily talk. Repeat these to sound more natural in conversations, which is vital for IELTS speaking practice. - Record yourself: Compare your shadowing to the video. Check if you're stressing the right words (e.g., "loved fashion" vs. "loved fashion") and adjust accordingly. This helps refine your pronunciation and rhythm. By practicing with this video, you'll build confidence in both storytelling and real-time communication, making it a valuable tool for any English learner.

Grammar in this video

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

Structure	In the video
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it	was determined · is shaped · be taken
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now	I've already spoken · have been · I've decided
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thing	person who got · anyone who makes · one who found
Past continuous was/were + -ing — an action in progress at a moment in the past	was moving · was wasting · was checking

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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