Shadowing Practice: I Want It That Way | Brooklyn Nine-Nine - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

B1
So, do you recognize any of these men?
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34 sentences
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So, do you recognize any of these men?
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I was hiding in the bathroom stall,
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so I didn't see his face, but I heard him.
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He was singing along to the music at the bar.
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Do you remember what he was singing?
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I think it was that song,
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I Want It That Way.
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Backstreet Boys, I'm familiar.
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Okay.
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Number one, could you please sing the opening to I Want It That Way?
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Really?
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Okay.
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You are my fire.
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Number two, keep it going.
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The one desire.
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Number three.
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Believe when I say.
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Number four.
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I want it that way.
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Tell me why.
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Ain't nothing but a heartache.
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Tell me why.
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Ain't nothing but a mistake.
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Now number five.
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I never want to hear you say.
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Woo!
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I want it that way.
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Oh, chills.
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Literal chills.
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It was number five.
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Number five killed my brother.
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Oh, my God.
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I forgot about that part.
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Thank you.

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Context & Background

This transcript features a scene from the popular television show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." In it, the characters engage in a playful conversation that revolves around the song "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. The speaker shares an amusing anecdote about overhearing someone singing the song at a bar, which leads to a fun interaction with the other character. This light-hearted exchange showcases casual English conversation, complete with humor and cultural references, making it an excellent resource for those looking to improve their English language skills.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

From the transcript, here are five phrases that you can use in everyday conversations. Understanding and practicing these phrases will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your ability to communicate effectively in English:

  • "You are my fire." - A way to express strong feelings or affection towards someone.
  • "The one desire." - Indicating singular focus or a specific wish.
  • "Believe when I say." - A phrase used to emphasize sincerity or truthfulness.
  • "Tell me why." - A common request for explanation or reasoning.
  • "I never want to hear you say." - A strong emotional statement often used in relationships.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

Improving your pronunciation and fluency through the shadowing technique is an effective method for English learners. Here’s how you can apply this technique with the transcript from "Brooklyn Nine-Nine":

  1. Choose Your Segment: Start by selecting a small segment of the transcript—perhaps focus on the opening lines of "I Want It That Way."
  2. Listen Actively: Play the video or audio clip, paying close attention to the pronunciation and intonation of the words. This is an essential step in the shadowspeak method.
  3. Repeat Along: Once you feel comfortable, begin to repeat the phrases aloud in sync with the speakers. This is where the shadow speech comes into play, allowing you to mimic their natural rhythm.
  4. Record Yourself: Record your own voice while you shadow the characters. Listen back to identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation.
  5. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Incorporate these phrases into your daily conversations to help reinforce what you've learned.

Utilizing a reliable shadowing site can provide additional resources and exercises for you to further enhance your English pronunciation and speaking skills. Regular practice through these methods will undoubtedly lead you to improved confidence and fluency in English.

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.

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