Shadowing Practice: Kids Changing the World | Sana Habibi | TEDxKids@ElCajon - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Transcriber: Anay ghodadra Reviewer: Maurício Kakuei Tanaka Sana Habibi: Give me a “T.” Audience: T.
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41 sentences
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Transcriber: Anay ghodadra Reviewer: Maurício Kakuei Tanaka Sana Habibi: Give me a “T.” Audience: T.
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SH: Give me an “E.” Audience: E.
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SH: Give me a “D.” Audience: D.
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SH: Hold on.
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We’re still missing some.
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Give me an “E.” Audience: E.
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SH: Give me a “D.” Audience: D.
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SH: What’s that spell?
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Audience: TED-Ed.
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SH: These words “TED-Ed” are more than just words.
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I was in third grade when I first heard the words “TED-Ed.” The words sounded boring until I heard what they do.
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They help change the world with just one talk.
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So I decided to join the TED-Ed Club at my school.
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In my first year, I wrote about animals going extinct, and we needed to do something.
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I wasn't selected for the big stage, but I did get to give my talk in front of my school.
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I loved it.
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I joined again the next year.
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In that year, I was selected as a host, and it was amazing being on stage.
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I still didn't give up to be a speaker.
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Here I am again in my third year on stage, ready to give my talk.
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(Cheers) (Applause) According to the website TED.com, almost 50,000 people have given a TED Talk.
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In addition, these talks helped to bring $3 billion in projects to help make the world a better place.
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Well, you might ask, “How can we, people, change the world with just a talk?” It isn’t just a talk, but it’s a way of expressing yourself, teaching others, sharing ideas, and being creative.
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And that is thinking of TED-Ed for helping students like me to find their passion.
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So we should all think of TED-Ed.
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Through my TED-ED Club, I got to watch many TED Talks and began to think how I can change the world.
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If you listen to a TED Talk or give a TED Talk, it just doesn’t change your community, but also changes yourself.
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It will help you and others to be positive.
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My plan is for you to go out and watch a TED Talk, and not just watch it.
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I mean, watch it carefully, and listen to what they are saying, and go out and help the world, and be a hero.
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I will start with my school and find more ways where we can watch TED Talks.
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For example, as a school, we could watch a TED Talk broadcast each week or have more TED Talk assemblies to listen and share ideas.
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Some people believe that kids can’t give a TED Talk.
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Well, you should give it a try.
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You might find kids’ TED Talks more interesting, creative, and fun.
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If you need a place to start, here are two creative talks by kids.
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On number one, “We are all different, and that’s awesome!” by Cole Blakeway.
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Number two: “The right toys can make all the difference” by Skylar Grande.
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So the next time you’re looking for inspiration or want to explore the endless possibilities of a human’s mind, don’t forget to turn to TED.
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You’ll be amazed by the incredible stories and sights that await you.
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(Cheers) (Applause)

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice your English speaking and listening skills by engaging with an inspiring TED Talk delivered by young speaker Sana Habibi. The focus will be on understanding how ideas can change the world and the importance of expressing oneself creatively. By participating in this exercise, you will enhance your vocabulary, grasp the nuances of spoken English, and develop your confidence in public speaking. This lesson is particularly useful for learners who wish to improve their ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • TED-Ed: A platform that inspires and educates through powerful talks.
  • Change the world: Taking action or sharing ideas that can positively impact society.
  • Expressing yourself: Sharing your thoughts and feelings openly.
  • Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and generate unique ideas.
  • Positive change: Making improvements that benefit individuals and communities.
  • Inspiration: Motivation or stimulation to do something great.
  • Talk carefully: Pay close attention when listening or speaking.
  • Endless possibilities: The unlimited options available for action and innovation.

Practice Tips

When practicing your speaking skills using this shadowing site, focus on shadow speech techniques to enhance your fluency. Listen carefully to Sana's pacing, intonation, and energy as you attempt to replicate her speech. For optimal results, follow these tips:

  • Start by watching the TED Talk a couple of times before shadowing it. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content and emotional tone.
  • Begin shadowing at a slower speed. Pause after every few sentences to repeat what you hear. This will help you grasp the structure and delivery without becoming overwhelmed.
  • Pay special attention to how Sana emphasizes key points. Use this to improve your own shadowspeak by mimicking not just the words but also the emotional nuances.
  • Practice out loud in a quiet space where you can take your time. Record yourself to assess your progress, and note areas where you can improve.
  • Combine shadowing with note-taking. Write down phrases or vocabulary you find impactful, and incorporate them into your daily conversations to reinforce learning.

By engaging with this learn English with YouTube exercise, you will not only improve your oral skills but also enhance your ability to present ideas confidently, whether in school, work, or everyday conversations.

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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