Shadowing Practice: Imitating Accent with Morgan Freeman | American Accent | Shadowing Exercises - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Now he has publicly said many times that during rehearsal he came to me with questions
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suggestions about how we should play a sword fight scene that could be extended with some extra stabbing and wounding and shit.
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He said that, I looked at him.
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after asking his name.
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And I told him this: Kid.
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We click swords three times, I scare you, you fall down and die.
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I'm going to tell you the correct story.
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What I actually said to Denzel was, You know that Brilliant young actor just out of Fordham University.
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- That was a great suggestion.
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Joe Patton never thought of it.
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You know, Shakespeare didn't think of that one.
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Clearly you know better than the two of them how this thing should be staged.
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What a fine eye for action.
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I think you have a bright career ahead of you.
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And I hope one day to perhaps work with you in a film.
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But until then, get back where you belong, when you come out on stage, We click so as three times.
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I stab you and you fall down and die.
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Now he has publicly said many times Now he has publicly said many times Now he has publicly said many times
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And then during rehearsal he came to me with questions And then during rehearsal he came to me with questions
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And then during rehearsal he came to me with questions.
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Suggestions about how we should play a sword fight scene.
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Suggestions about how we should play a sword fight scene.
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Suggestions about how we should play a sword fight scene.
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that could be extended with some extra stabbing and wounding and shit.
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that could be extended with some extra stabbing and wounding and shit.
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that could be extended with some extra stabbing and wounding and shit.
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He said that I looked at him after asking his name,
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He said that I looked at him after asking his name,
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He said that I looked at him after asking his name.
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And I told him this,
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kid, And I told him this,
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kid, And I told him this,
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kid, We click swords three times, I stab you, you fall down and die.
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We click swords three times, I stab you, you fall down and die.
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We click swords three times, I scare you, you fall down and die.
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I'm going to tell you the correct story.
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I'm going to tell you the correct story.
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I'm going to tell you the correct story.
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What I actually said to Denzel was,
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What I actually said to Denzel was,
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What I actually said to Denzel was, You, that brilliant young actor,
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You're that brilliant young actor You're that brilliant young actor Just out of Fordham University.
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Just out of Fordham University.
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Just out of Fordham University.
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That was a great suggestion.
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That was a great suggestion.
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That was a great suggestion.
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Joe Papp never thought of it.
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Joe Papp never thought of it.
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Joe Papp never thought of it.
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You know, Shakespeare didn't think of that one.
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You know, Shakespeare didn't think of that one.
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Yo, Shakespeare didn't think of that one.
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Clearly you know better than the two of them how this thing should be staged.
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Clearly you know better than the two of them how this thing should be staged.
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Clearly you know better than the two of them how this thing should be staged.
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What a fine eye for action.
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What a fine eye for action.
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What a fine eye for action.
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I think you have a bright career ahead of you.
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I think you have a bright career ahead of you.
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I think you have a bright career ahead of you.
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And I hope one day to perhaps work with you in a film.
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And I hope one day to perhaps work with you in a film.
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And I hope one day to perhaps work with you in a film.
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But until then, But until then,
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But until then, Get back where you belong when you come out on stage.
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Get back where you belong when you come out on stage.
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Get back where you belong when you come out on stage.
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We click source three times, We click source three times,
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We click source three times, I said you and you fall down and die.
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I said you and you fall down and die.
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I stabbed you and you fall down and die.

Context & Background

The art of effective communication in English is often enhanced by learning from seasoned actors and speakers. In this engaging session featuring renowned actor Morgan Freeman, we delve into the nuances of accent imitation and dialogue delivery using shadowing techniques. The video offers a glimpse into a rehearsal scenario where Freeman reflects on an interaction with a fellow actor, emphasizing the importance of clarity and confidence in performance. This background sets the stage for learners to grasp the intricacies of dialogue and accent while practicing their speaking skills.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “We click swords three times.” - This phrase emphasizes the necessity of rhythm and timing in discourse.
  • “You fall down and die.” - A metaphor for concluding statements with impact.
  • “What a fine eye for action.” - A compliment that encourages the listener and promotes camaraderie.
  • “I'm going to tell you the correct story.” - Setting the stage for clarity in communication.
  • “That was a great suggestion.” - Recognizing contributions can foster constructive dialogue.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively utilize the shadowing technique from this video, follow these steps:

  1. Watch the Video: Begin by watching the video in its entirety to familiarize yourself with the context and tone.
  2. Break Down the Dialogue: Focus on short segments of the speech. This will help you capture the rhythm and pronunciation accurately.
  3. Repeat After Morgan Freeman: Use a shadowing app to repeat phrases right after you hear them. Pay attention to intonation and accents, particularly when conveying emotion.
  4. Record Yourself: Use your phone or a recording device. This allows you to compare your speech with Freeman’s delivery, enabling you to fine-tune your accent and diction.
  5. Practice Regularly: Incorporate these phrases into your English speaking practice sessions daily, using a shadowing site or similar resources to help track your progress.

By incorporating these shadow speech techniques into your learning routine, you will enhance your fluency and develop a more confident speaking style. This practice not only improves your accent but also boosts your overall communication skills, making interactions in English smoother and more engaging.

Grammar in this video

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

StructureIn the video
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does itcould be extended · should be staged
Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good ideashould play · should be
Comparatives -er than / more … than — comparing two thingsbetter than
Future with “going to” be going to + verb — a plan or something you can see comingI'm going to tell

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 →