Shadowing Practice: Jacinda Ardern ends political career with emotional final speech | SBS News - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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I am, after all, a conviction-based politician.
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I am, after all, a conviction-based politician.
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And I've always believed this to be a place where you can make a difference.
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I leave knowing that to be true.
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But despite that, I've become used to my time as Prime Minister being distilled down into a different list.
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A domestic terror attack, a volcanic eruption, a pandemic.
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A series of events where I found myself in people's lives during their most grief-stricken or traumatic moments.
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Their stories and phases remain etched in my mind and likely will forever.
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That is the responsibility and privilege of the role of Prime Minister.
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A role I never thought I was meant to have.
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I was a warrior.
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I anticipated that everything that could go wrong would.
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Some might say the worst possible character trait to have as a politician, or the best, depending on how you cut it.
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While I convince myself that you cannot be a warrior and be in this place, you can.
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You can be that person and you can be here.
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I'm sensitive or as Maggie Barry once called me, a precious petal.
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Now I cannot determine what will define my time in this place but I do hope I've demonstrated something else entirely.
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That you can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve.
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You can be a mother or not, you can be an ex-Mormon or not, you can be a nerd, a crier, a hugger, you can be all of these things and not only can you be here, you can lead just like me.
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Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou.
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Thank you.

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About This Lesson

This lesson focuses on developing your English speaking practice through the analysis of an emotional speech delivered by Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. By listening to her articulate reflections on vulnerability, leadership, and personal conviction, you will enhance your ability to express complex emotions in English. The lesson encourages learners to practice using the shadowing technique, which is particularly effective in improving English pronunciation and overall fluency.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Conviction-based politician: A leader driven by strong beliefs and principles.
  • Domestic terror attack: An act of violence committed within a country's borders.
  • Etched in my mind: A phrase meaning that something is clearly remembered.
  • Grief-stricken: Experiencing intense sorrow, usually after a loss.
  • Warm-hearted: Displaying kindness and sensitivity towards others.
  • Define my time: The impact and legacy one creates during their tenure.
  • Nerd: A person overly interested in specialized subjects, often perceived as socially awkward.
  • Tēnā koutou: A Māori greeting meaning "thank you" or "acknowledgment to you all."

Practice Tips

Utilizing the shadowing technique with this speech will significantly benefit your English speaking practice. Here are some specific tips tailored to the speed and tone of Ardern's speech:

  • Listen carefully: Play the video at a slower speed if necessary to fully grasp the nuances of her speech.
  • Repeat after her: Pause the video after each phrase and try to mimic her pronunciation and intonation. Focus on the emotional weight she conveys with her tone.
  • Record yourself: Use your device to capture your voice while practicing. Compare it to the original to identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation.
  • Practice in context: After shadowing, try to use the key vocabulary in your own sentences, reflecting on how it relates to your experiences.
  • Emphasize emotion: Pay close attention to how Ardern expresses sensitivity and conviction. Try to incorporate similar emotional undertones in your speaking to connect better with your audience.

By consistently practicing using the shadow speech method and these strategies, you will enhance your ability to engage in meaningful conversations while improving your English pronunciation.

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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