Shadowing Practice: Learn English Conversation | Express Your Opinion Like a Native Speaker - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
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Hello everyone and welcome back to Mr. English Channel,
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Hello everyone and welcome back to Mr. English Channel,
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where learning English is easy and fun.
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I'm Emily.
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And I'm Paul.
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It's so good to be here with you today, Emily.
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It's great to see you too, Paul.
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How are you doing today?
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I'm doing really well, thank you for asking.
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I had a very interesting morning.
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Oh, really?
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What happened this morning?
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Well, I went to that new coffee shop on the corner.
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You know, the one with the big blue door.
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Oh, I know that place.
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I saw it yesterday.
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Exactly.
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Well, I tried their special breakfast sandwich.
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Hmm.
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And what did you think of it?
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To be honest, I think it was a little bit too salty.
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Oh, no. That's too bad.
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I was planning to go there tomorrow.
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Well, in my opinion, their coffee is much better than their food.
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Ah, okay.
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That is good to know.
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You just used a great phrase there, Paul.
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Oh?
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Which one did I use?
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You said, in my opinion.
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That is a perfect way to share how you feel.
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You're right.
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Today we are talking about how to express our opinions, aren't we?
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Yes, it's a very important topic for our friends who are learning English.
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It really is.
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We give our opinions all the time, every single day.
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We do, whether we are talking about food,
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movies, or even the weather.
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So, Emily, what is the easiest way to start an opinion?
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I think the easiest way is to just say, I think.
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Yes, it's so simple and natural.
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For example, I think today is a beautiful day.
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I agree.
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It is very sunny outside.
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You could also say, I believe.
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It sounds a little more certain.
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That's true.
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For example, I believe this is the best way to learn.
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Wow, that's a strong opinion.
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I like it.
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Paul, do you think it's important to be polite when giving an opinion?
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Oh, definitely.
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You don't want to sound too bossy or rude.
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Exactly.
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Sometimes we use phrases like,
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I feel like, to sound a bit softer.
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Ah, yes.
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I feel like we should go to the park later.
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That sounds much better than just saying, go to the park.
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Yes.
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It's much more friendly.
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It sounds like a suggestion.
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What about when someone asks for your opinion?
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How do they usually ask?
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Usually, people say, What do you think?
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Or, How do you feel about this?
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Those are perfect.
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Let's practice.
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Paul, what do you think about Italian food?
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Oh, wow.
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I love Italian food.
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In my opinion, pizza is the king of all foods.
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I see.
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But for me, I think pasta is even better.
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Really?
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Why do you think so?
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Well, because there are so many different types of pasta.
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It's never boring.
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That's a good point.
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I see what you mean.
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See?
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You just used another great phrase.
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I see what you mean.
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Yes.
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It shows that I am listening to you even if I have a different opinion.
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That is very important in a conversation.
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It keeps things friendly.
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What if I really disagree with you, Emily?
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What should I say then?
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You can say, I'm not so sure about that,
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or I see your point,
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but… Ah, that's very polite.
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It's better than just saying, you are wrong.
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Oh, definitely.
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Never say you are wrong to a friend.
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It's not very nice.
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I agree.
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It's much better to say,
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I have a different opinion.
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Exactly.
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Or you can say, if you ask me,
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I think the other way is better.
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If you ask me, that's a very common one, isn't it?
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Yes, it is.
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We use it when we want to give our personal view on something.
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For example, if you ask me,
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summer is much better than winter.
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Oh, I'm not so sure about that, Paul.
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I love the snow.
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Really?
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But the beach is so much fun in the summer.
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I know, but I feel like winter is more cozy.
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I love hot chocolate and big sweaters.
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Hmm, I see your point.
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Sweaters are very comfortable.
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Yes, and I think the mountains look beautiful when they are white.
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Okay, you win.
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Winter is beautiful, but I still prefer the sun.
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That's okay.
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We can have different opinions and still be friends.
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That is the best part about talking.
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Everyone has a different perspective.
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Paul, what is a formal way to say, I think?
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Hmm.
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Well, you could say, from my perspective,
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or as far as I'm concerned.
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Oh, those sound very professional.
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Yes, you might use those in a meeting at work.
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For example, from my perspective,
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we need more time for this project.
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Exactly.
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It sounds very serious and clear.
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And what about a very casual way, like between us?
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Well, we often say, to be honest, or personally.
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Yes, personally, I don't like horror movies.
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Oh, me too.
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They're too scary for me.
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I'm glad we agree on that one.
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Emily, if you are enjoying this conversation,
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don't forget to like the video,
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subscribe to the channel, and share it with a friend who's learning English.
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yes and
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if you are still listening comment pizza below we want to know who is still here yes tell us
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if you prefer pizza
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or pasta in the comments that's a fun way to practice
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giving your opinion right now it really is you can write i think pizza is better
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or in my opinion pasta is the best
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great examples Paul now let's talk about music oh I love
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talking about music what do you think about rock music to
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be honest I find it a little bit loud I prefer
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jazz jazz really why do you like jazz well I feel
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like it is very relaxing it helps me study ah I see what you mean but if you ask me
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rock music gives me energy that's true it is very good
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for exercising exactly see we're using the phrases naturally now it
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gets easier the more you practice you don't need to think
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about the rules that's the secret isn't it just keep talking yes and don't be afraid to make mistakes we all do
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Even native speakers like us make mistakes sometimes.
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Oh yes, all the time.
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Emily, let's imagine we are choosing a movie to watch.
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Okay.
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I want to see a romantic comedy.
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Hmm.
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To be honest, I'm not in the mood for a comedy today.
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Oh?
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What would you prefer to watch?
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I feel like watching an action movie, something with fast cars.
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I see.
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Well, in my opinion, action movies can be a bit boring if there is no story.
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I agree with that.
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We need a good story, too.
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How about we find a movie that is both action and comedy?
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That sounds like a great idea.
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I believe that is the perfect solution.
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See?
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We used I believe and in my opinion to solve a problem.
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It works for everything, even for choosing what to watch.
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What about when we want to agree strongly with someone?
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Oh, you can say I couldn't agree more or that's exactly what I was thinking.
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I love those.
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I couldn't agree more, Paul.
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English is fun to learn.
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Yes, exactly.
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You took the words right out of my mouth.
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That's another funny expression.
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You took the words out of my mouth.
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What does that mean exactly for our friends at home?
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It means that you said exactly what I was going to say.
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Ah, I love that.
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It's so useful.
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It really is.
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It shows that we have the same opinion.
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And what if I only agree a little bit?
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You could say, I suppose so,
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or I guess you're right.
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I guess you're right.
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That sounds like I'm changing my mind.
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Yes.
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Like, if you say summer is better,
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and I eventually agree with you.
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I hope you do agree one day.
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The sun is so nice.
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Maybe.
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I guess you're right that the beach is wonderful.
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See?
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It works!
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I convinced you.
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Just a little bit.
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Emily, why do some people say, in my humble opinion?
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Ah, that's a good one.
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Humble means you're being modest.
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So it's like saying, this is just my small idea, but… Exactly.
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It's a very polite and soft way to share a view.
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In my humble opinion, this podcast is very helpful.
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Well, I hope so.
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I really believe it is.
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We are using all these phrases so much today.
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I think it's great for practice.
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It is.
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Practice makes perfect, as they say.
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Emily, do you have an opinion on video games?
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Oh, wow.
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Personally, I think they are a lot of fun.
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Me too.
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Especially games that you can play with friends.
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I agree.
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I feel like it's a great way to stay connected.
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Exactly.
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Even if we are in different houses, we can play together.
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But some people think video games are a waste of time.
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What do you think about that?
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Well, to be honest, I see their point, but I don't agree.
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Why not?
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I believe games can teach you many things,
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like solving problems or teamwork.
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That is a very good point.
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I never thought about it that way.
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See?
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Giving reasons helps people understand your opinion better.
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It really does.
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Using because is very important.
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Yes.
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I like this because or I think that because.
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It makes your opinion much stronger.
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Emily, what if someone asks you an opinion about something I don't know?
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That happens.
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You can say, I don't really have an opinion on that,
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or I'm not sure.
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That is very honest.
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To be honest, I don't know much about that topic.
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Exactly.
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It's better than making something up.
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I agree.
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It's okay not to know everything.
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Speaking of which, what do you think about space travel?
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Hmm.
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Personally, I think it's amazing.
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I want to go to the moon.
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Really?
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I'm not so sure I would like that.
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It seems scary.
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Oh, but imagine the view.
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I believe it would be the best experience ever.
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Well, in my opinion, staying here on Earth is much safer.
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You are probably right about that,
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but I still want to try.
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You are very brave, Paul.
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I try to be.
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Let's talk about something else.
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What do you think about learning English online?
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Oh, I think it's the best way.
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You can learn anywhere.
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I agree.
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I feel like it gives students more freedom.
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Yes, they can watch our videos whenever they want.
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Exactly.
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In my opinion, it makes learning more comfortable.
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I couldn't agree more.
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It's so convenient.
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But some people prefer a real classroom.
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How do you feel about that?
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Well, I see what they mean.
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In a classroom, you can meet people face to face.
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That's true.
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Personally, I like both ways.
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They are both useful.
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Well, that is a very balanced opinion, Emily.
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Thank you.
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I try to see both sides of the story.
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That is a great skill to have.
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It helps when you are having a discussion with friends with friends.
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Emily, let's summarize some of the phrases we used today.
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Good idea!
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We used I think and I believe.
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And we used in my opinion and personally.
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We also learned I feel like and to be honest.
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Don't forget, if you ask me, and from my perspective.
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Those are so many great options.
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Yes.
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And for agreeing, we have I agree, me too, and exactly.
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And my favorite, I couldn't agree more.
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For disagreeing politely, we have I'm not so sure about that,
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and I see your point,
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but… These phrases make your English sound so much more natural.
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They really do.
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They help you sound like a native speaker.
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Paul, do you have any last advice for our listeners?
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Yes.
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My advice is to try using one of these phrases today.
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That's a great idea.
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Try it with a friend or even in the comments.
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Yes.
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Tell us your opinion about this episode.
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I hope their opinion is positive.
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I believe it will be.
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We had a great time today.
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I agree.
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It was a lot of fun talking with you, Paul.
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Same here, Emily.
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Well, I think we are coming to the end of our episode today.
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It went by so fast.
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It always does when we are having fun.
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Don't forget to like this video and subscribe if you haven't already.
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Yes, and remember to share this with your friends who are learning English.
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We really appreciate your support.
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It helps us make more videos for you.
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Exactly.
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We love being part of your English journey.
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Well, goodbye for now, Emily.
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Goodbye, Paul.
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See you next time.
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Goodbye, everyone.
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Happy learning.
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Bye-bye.
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Why practice speaking with this video?
Engaging with this video provides a unique opportunity to practice English conversation in a natural and relatable context. The dialogue between Emily and Paul allows learners to hear real-life examples of how native speakers express their opinions. This conversational approach not only enhances listening skills but also encourages learners to develop their speaking abilities through active participation. By integrating techniques such as shadowspeak with this content, learners can mimic the cadence and tone of the speakers, making it easier to articulate their thoughts fluently.
Furthermore, practicing with videos like this can boost confidence when expressing opinions on diverse topics, whether it be about food or current events. Regularly using a shadowing app or engaging with a shadowing site can simplify this process, providing an effective method to reinforce learning through repetition and contextual understanding.
Grammar & Expressions in Context
In the video, several key phrases are exemplified that enhance conversational fluency. Let’s explore a few:
- I think - This phrase introduces personal opinions and is commonly used for casual discussions. For example, "I think today is a beautiful day." It’s a simple yet effective way to express oneself.
- I believe - This expression conveys a stronger conviction. "I believe this is the best way to learn" implies more certainty and confidence in the statement.
- In my opinion - A great way to clarify that what follows is a personal view, as in "In my opinion, their coffee is much better than their food." This phrase encourages a respectful tone in conversation.
By paying attention to these structures, learners can integrate them into their own conversations, making their speech sound more natural and native-like while practicing shadow speaks.
Common Pronunciation Traps
In the video, certain words and phrases can pose challenges for English learners. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Opinion - This word can often trip up learners due to its multiple syllables. Focus on breaking it down: o-pin-ion.
- Breakfast - Often pronounced too quickly, ensure to articulate each part: break-fast.
- Salty - The 's' sound followed by a soft 'l' can be tricky. Practice saying it slowly to get comfortable.
Utilizing tools like a shadowing app can help learners practice these tricky pronunciations in the context of natural speech. Mimicking native speakers aids in improving both pronunciation and overall fluidity in 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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