Shadowing Practice: Learn to Love Yourself | English Conversation for Fluent Speaking | B2-C1 Practice - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Hey everyone!
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Welcome to the Masu & Fizu Show.
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Here we learn English, practice together, and have fun along the way.
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So grab your headphones… And let's start learning!
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Hey everyone!
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Welcome back to the Masu & Fizu Show.
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You know, I was thinking about today's topic all week, and honestly, it might be one of the most important things we've ever talked about.
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Today, we're talking about learning to love yourself.
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Fizu, be honest with me.
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When was the last time you said something kind to yourself?
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Hmm.
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Honestly, Masu, I don't think I remember.
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I'm usually saying things like, why did you do that, Fizu?
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That was so silly.
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I'm always a little harsh with myself.
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See, that's so common.
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And I think so many people watching right now are nodding their heads.
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We're often our own biggest critic.
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So today, we're going to practice English while exploring this really powerful topic.
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How to speak kindly to yourself, how to set boundaries, and how to actually believe that you deserve love and respect, starting with yourself.
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I'm actually really excited about this one.
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It feels different, more personal.
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It is personal, and that's what makes it so good for speaking practice.
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Because when you care about a topic, the English just flows more naturally.
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Before we start, if this sounds like something you need today, do us a favor.
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Hit that like button and subscribe to The Masu & Fizu Show.
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We put a lot of heart into these episodes, and it really helps us keep making more for you.
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Okay, Fizu, are you ready to dive into this one?
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Ready.
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Let's go, Masu.
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So let's start simple.
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Fizu, what do you think it actually means to love yourself?
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A lot of people hear that phrase, but they're not sure what it really looks like in daily life.
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I think it means you must to always feel happy with yourself.
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That's a good try, but actually loving yourself doesn't mean you always feel happy.
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Instead of you must to always feel happy, we'd say you don't have to always feel happy, but you treat yourself with kindness.
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Can you try saying that?
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You don't have to always feel happy, but you treat yourself with kindness.
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Yes, exactly right.
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Right.
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See, loving yourself is more about how you treat yourself, especially during hard moments.
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It's like, imagine your best friend made a mistake.
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You wouldn't yell at them, right?
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You'd probably say something supportive.
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Right.
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I would never be mean to my friend like that.
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Exactly.
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But here's the interesting part.
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We often talk to ourselves much worse than we'd ever talk to a friend.
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That's actually really common, you know?
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I used to do this too too.
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A few years ago, I made a small mistake during a presentation at work, and in my head I kept repeating,
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you're so stupid, you always mess things up.
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It took me a while to realize how unfair that was to myself.
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Wow.
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Really?
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Even you, Muscle?
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Oh, absolutely.
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Everyone does this sometimes.
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But the goal is to notice it and change the way we talk to ourselves.
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So, Fizu, let me ask you this.
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What's something you often say to yourself when you make a mistake?
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I usually say, I'm so bad on this.
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But, wait, that's wrong, right?
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Good catch.
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Yes, we'd say, I'm so bad at this, not bad on this.
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Bad at something, like bad at cooking or bad at speaking English.
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Try the full sentence again.
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I'm so bad at this.
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Perfect.
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Now, here's a kinder way to say it.
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Instead of, I'm so bad at this, try saying, I'm still learning this.
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Isn't that already a nicer feeling?
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Oh, I like that much better.
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I'm still learning this.
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Yeah, that actually feels encouraging.
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Exactly.
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That's self -compassion in action.
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And we're already practicing great English while doing it.
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Okay, let's go a little deeper now.
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One big part of loving yourself is learning to say no sometimes, setting what we call boundaries.
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Fizu, do you know what a boundary is?
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Um, like a line, like a border between two countries?
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That's actually a great guess, and you're not wrong.
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In relationships, a boundary is like a personal line, too.
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It's a limit you set to protect your time, energy, or feelings.
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For example, saying, I can't help you this weekend because I need rest, that's a boundary.
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Oh, I see.
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So if my friend always calls me late at night and I say, please don't call after 10, that's also a boundary.
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Exactly right.
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That's a perfect example.
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And here's the thing.
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A lot of people feel guilty setting boundaries like they're being mean.
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But actually, boundaries are a form of self -love because you're protecting yourself.
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That makes sense.
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But it's hard, you know?
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I always worry people will think I don't care about them.
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That's such a common feeling, Fizu, and I totally understand it.
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But here's something I always remind my students.
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Saying no to something doesn't mean you don't care, it means you're also caring for yourself.
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Let's practice saying no in a kind way.
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Can you try saying, I'm sorry I can't help this time, but thank you for thinking of me?
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I'm sorry I can't help this time, but thank you for think of me. So close.
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Just a small fix.
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It's thank you for thinking of me, with ing at the end because it comes after for.
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Try once more.
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Thank you for thinking of me.
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Yes, perfect.
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See, that sentence is so polite, but it still protects your own time.
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That's the balance we want.
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I actually really like this phrase.
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I think I'll use it this week.
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I love that.
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And here's another important phrase for loving yourself.
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I deserve.
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For example, I deserve rest, or I deserve kindness.
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Fizu, can you finish this sentence?
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I deserve...
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I deserve.. a chocolate cake.
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Well, that works too.
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But let's also try something a little deeper, like I deserve to make mistakes without being too hard on myself.
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Oh, that's a good one.
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I deserve to make mistakes without being too hard on myself.
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Beautifully said.
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And honestly, that sentence alone could change someone's whole week if they really believed it.
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All right, Vizu, now it's time for our favorite part, real -life roleplay.
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Today, since our topic is loving yourself, we're going to practice two situations where this really matters,
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setting a boundary with a friend and comforting a friend who's being too hard on themselves.
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Ready?
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Ready.
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Let's do it.
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Here's the scene.
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It's Saturday morning, and you finally have a free day to relax after a busy week.
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Suddenly, your friend calls and asks you to help them move apartments all day.
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You really want to rest, but you also don't want to hurt their feelings.
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Let's practice this phone call.
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I'll be your friend.
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Alex, ready?
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Okay, I'm ready.
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Right.
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So let's get right into it because we have a lot to unpack today.
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Hey, Fizu.
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So, listen, I'm moving apartments today, and I could really use some help.
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Are you free?
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Oh, hi, Alex.
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Um, actually, today I plan to rest a little.
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Good start, but let's make it smoother.
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Instead of, today I plan to rest a little, try, actually, I was really planning to rest today.
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Actually, I was really planning to rest today.
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Perfect.
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Oh, okay, no worries.
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I just thought I'd ask.
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It's a lot of boxes.
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I understand.
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And I really want to helping you, but I need this day for myself.
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Almost there.
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It's I really want to help you without ing because it comes after want to.
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Try again.
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I really want to help you, but I need this day for myself.
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Excellent.
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That's such a kind and honest way to say no. No, I totally get it.
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Rest is important too.
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Thank you for understanding.
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Maybe I can help you next weekend instead.
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So close again.
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Thank you for understanding.
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Remember the ing rule.
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Try it.
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Thank you for understanding.
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Maybe I can help you next weekend instead.
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That's wonderful.
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You just offered a solution, too, which shows you really do care.
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That sounds perfect, actually.
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Next weekend works great.
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Great.
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I deserve a little rest today, but I still want to support you.
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Yes, beautifully said.
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That sentence shows both boundaries and care, exactly what self -love looks like in real life.
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Thanks, Fizu.
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Enjoy your rest day.
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Thank you, Alex.
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Talk to you soon.
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And that's a wrap on Situation 1.
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Fizu, how did that feel?
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Honestly, it felt really good.
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I didn't feel guilty at all by the end.
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That's exactly the goal.
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Let's highlight a few key phrases from that conversation.
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I was really planning to.
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A gentle way to explain your own plans.
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I really want to help you, but shows care while setting a limit.
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Thank you for understanding.
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Polite and warm closing.
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I deserve.
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Powerful self -love phrase.
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Maybe I can help you next time instead.
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Offers a kind alternative.
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Great job, Visu.
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Now let's try something different but still connected to loving ourselves.
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Sometimes loving yourself also means helping a friend love themselves too.
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Here's the scene.
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You're sitting in a cozy coffee shop with your friend Mia.
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She just failed a test and being really hard on herself.
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Let's see how you respond.
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I'll be Mia.
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Okay, I'm ready to help my friend.
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I can't believe I failed that test.
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I'm so stupid, honestly.
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Mia, don't say that.
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You're not stupid.
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You just made a mistake.
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Nice try.
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We'd say you just made a mistake with a before mistake.
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Try again.
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You're not stupid.
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You just made a mistake.
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Perfect.
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Keep going.
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You're doing great.
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I guess, but I studied so hard and still failed.
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I know it's frustrated, but failing doesn't mean you are not smart.
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Close.
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The word should be frustrating, not frustrated, because the situation causes the feeling.
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Try once more.
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I know it's frustrating, but failing doesn't mean you are not smart.
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Excellent correction.
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That's such an important difference.
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Thanks, Vizu.
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I guess I'm just really hard on myself sometimes.
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Everyone is sometimes.
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But you deserve to be kind to yourself, too.
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Almost.
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It's you deserve to be kind to yourself with to after deserve.
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Try it.
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You deserve to be kind to yourself too.
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Beautiful.
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That's such a comforting sentence.
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You know, that actually makes me feel a little better.
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I'm happy to hear that.
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Maybe next time you can talk to yourself like you talk to me.
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Wow, Fizu.
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That line was perfect.
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No corrections needed.
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That's such a thoughtful thing to say.
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That's actually really good advice.
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Thank you. Of course.
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We all deserve kindness, even from ourselves. And scene.
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Fizu, that was incredible.
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You really grew from situation one to situation two.
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Your sentences got smoother and more natural.
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Thank you, Masu.
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I felt more confident this time.
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It shows.
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Let's highlight the key phrases from this situation.
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You just made a mistake.
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Gentle correction of harsh self -talk that's frustrating describing a difficult situation kindly
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you deserve to be kind to yourself powerful supportive phrase talk
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to yourself like you talk to others a beautiful reminder we all deserve kindness okay Fizu now let's slow down
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and really practice pronunciation repeat after me nice
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and clear I deserve kindness I deserve kindness I'm still learning
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this I'm still learning this thank you for understanding thank you for understanding close
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it's one smooth word understanding try blending it together understanding perfect let's continue I really want to help
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but I need rest too I really want to help
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but I need rest too beautiful last one
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you deserve to be kind to yourself
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you deserve to be kind to yourself yes perfect pronunciation Fizu you've really nailed
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that one okay Fizu
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now let's go over some important vocabulary from today first word boundary Fizu what do you think
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it means I think it's like a personal limit yes exactly a boundary is limit
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you set to protect your time energy
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or feelings example setting a boundary with work calls after 7 p .m helps me relax
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that's a great example next word self -compassion any guess hmm
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maybe being nice to yourself exactly right self -compassion means treating yourself with kindness
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and understanding especially during hard times example self compassion helped her forgive her own mistakes
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I really need more self compassion in my life
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we all do sometimes next over commit what do you think
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maybe promising too many things spot -on over commit means agreeing to do more than you actually have time
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or energy for example he over committed to three projects and felt exhausted I
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definitely do that sometimes next word worthy any idea worthy like deserving something good exactly worthy means deserving respect
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or good things example you are worthy of love and respect just as you are I love that sentence last one frustrating.
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Remember our mistake earlier?
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Yes.
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It means something that makes you feel annoyed or upset.
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Perfect.
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Example, feeling the test was frustrating, but she didn't give up.
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All right, quiz time.
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Question one, easy level.
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What's a simpler, kinder way to say, I'm so bad at this?
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Um, I will never be good.
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Good try, but remember our earlier lesson?
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We We wanted something more encouraging.
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Think about what we practiced.
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Oh, I'm still learning this.
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Yes, perfect.
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Exactly right.
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Question two, medium level.
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If a friend asks you for a favor but you need rest, what polite phrase can you use to say no kindly?
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Maybe, I can't help you because I'm tired.
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That's honest, but let's make it warmer like we practiced.
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Try adding appreciation too.
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I really want to help you, but I need this day for myself.
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Yes!
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Excellent!
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That's exactly the phrase from our role -play.
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Question 3, medium -level.
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What word means a personal limit to protect your time or energy?
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Is it compassion?
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Close concept, but that's a different word.
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Remember, it was related to lines or limits.
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Oh!
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Boundary!
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Yes!
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Perfect!
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You got it!
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Great job on this quiz, Vizu!
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Now, let's talk about three practical tips to practice loving yourself while improving your English too.
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Tip one, talk to yourself in English with kind words every single day.
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Even simple sentences like I'm doing my best can help build both confidence and fluency.
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That's actually such a nice idea.
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I'll try saying kind things to myself in English every morning.
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I love that.
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Tip two, practice saying no politely in English,
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even in small situations, like turning down extra work or declining plans when you're tired.
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That's helpful because saying no is hard for me, but maybe practicing the words first will make it easier.
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Exactly.
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Practice makes it feel natural.
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And tip three, write down three things you did well today in English.
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This builds both self -love and vocabulary at the same time.
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I really like this one.
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It feels productive for both my English and my mindset.
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That's the beauty of combining language learning with personal growth.
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It becomes something meaningful, not just memorization.
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Okay, let's recap today's amazing lesson.
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We talked about what it really means to love yourself, treating yourself with kindness, setting boundaries, and believing you deserve respect.
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We practiced two situations, saying no to a friend kindly and comforting someone with gentle, supportive English.
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Some of our most powerful phrases today were I deserve, thank you for understanding, and you deserve to be kind to yourself.
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Yeah, today felt really special, Fizu.
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I learned that saying no doesn't mean I don't care, it just means I'm also caring for myself.
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I made that mistake with thank you for understand instead of understanding, but now I feel confident saying it correctly.
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I also loved learning the word boundary.
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I never really understood it so clearly before.
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And I'm so proud of how naturally you spoke by the end of the episode.
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Your confidence really grew from situation one to situation two.
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I feel it too.
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I actually feel ready to use these phrases in real life now, especially with my friends.
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That's exactly what we want to hear.
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Learning English and learning self -love.
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What a powerful combination today.
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Thank you so much for watching the Masu and Fizu show today.
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Honestly, this topic meant a lot to us, and we hope it meant something to you too.
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Yeah.
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Remember, you don't have to be perfect in English or in life.
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You just have to keep practicing and keep being kind to yourself.
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Beautifully said, Fizu.
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So here's what we want you to do.
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If you haven't subscribed yet, please do.
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We have so many more episodes like this coming.
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Rewatch this episode to really absorb those phrases and try using at least one sentence from today in real life this week.
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And comment below.
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Tell us, what's one kind thing you'll say to yourself this week?
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We really do read every comment and we love hearing your stories.
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We're so glad you spent this time with us today.
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Keep practicing, keep being kind to yourself, and we'll see you in the next episode.
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You deserve kindness.
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Speak English and love yourself.
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Goodbye, friends.
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This speaking lesson is built on the video “Learn to Love Yourself”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: deserve, Fizu, English, mistake, exactly. This video has 366 sentences and 2894 words to shadow. The speech runs for 19:04. The speaker talks at a natural 152 words per minute, close to everyday conversation. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| boundary noun | /ˈbaʊndɹi/ | The dividing line or location between two areas. |
| phrase noun | /ˈfɹeɪ̯z/ | A short written or spoken expression. |
| kindness noun | /ˈkaɪnd.nəs/ | The state of being kind. |
| compassion noun | /kəmˈpæʃ.ən/ | Deep awareness of the suffering of others that people have to the point of them being motivated to relieve such states. |
| topic noun | /ˈtɑpɪk/ | A subject; a theme; a category or general area of interest. |
| worthy adjective | /ˈwɝ.ði/ | Having worth, merit, or value. |
| kindly adverb | /ˈkaɪn(d)li/ | In a kind manner, out of kindness. |
| comfort noun | /ˈkʌm.fət/ | Contentment, ease. |
| smooth adjective | /smuːð/ | Having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough. |
| commit verb | /kəˈmɪt/ | To give in trust; to put into charge or keeping; to entrust; to consign; used with to or formerly unto. |
| gentle adjective | /ˈd͡ʒɛntl̩/ | Tender and amiable; of a considerate or kindly disposition. |
| supportive adjective | /səˈpɔɹtɪv/ | Providing support. |
| beautifully adverb | /ˈbju.tɪ.fə.li/ | In a beautiful manner. |
| polite adjective | /pəˈlaɪt/ | Well-mannered, civilized. |
| naturally adverb | /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/ | In a natural manner. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| give up verb | To surrender (someone or something); to inform on (someone). |
| go over verb | To look at carefully; to scrutinize; to analyze. |
| slow down verb | To decelerate. |
| turn down verb | To refuse, decline, or deny. |
| write down verb | To produce or set (something) down in writing; to record something. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Can you try saying that?
- What's something you often say to yourself when you make a mistake?
- Fizu, do you know what a boundary is?
- Fizu, can you finish this sentence?
- What's a simpler, kinder way to say, I'm so bad at this?
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 81 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, don't, you're. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: worthy /ˈwɝ.ði/, smooth /smuːð/, thoughtful /ˈθɔːtfəl/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: compassion /kəmˈpæʃ.ən/, harsh /ˈhɑɹʃ/, correction /kəˈɹɛkʃən/, pronunciation /pɹəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/, presentation /ˌpɹɛzn̩ˈteɪʃn̩/
- Long words — get the stress right: beautifully /ˈbju.tɪ.fə.li/, naturally /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/, vocabulary /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ɹi/, pronunciation /pɹəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/, appreciation /əˌpɹiː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like boundary, phrase, kindness.
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.