Shadowing Practice: LISTEN AND REPEAT With Barack Obama | Learn English through speeches | Shadowing English - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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The point is, is that the aim of our work must be not to just have a few do well,
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but to have everybody have a chance.
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Everybody who's willing to work for it have the ability to dream big and then reach those dreams.
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Our nations are strongest when we uphold the equality of all our people, and that includes our women.
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Now, you may have noticed I am married to a very strong and talented woman.
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Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind or tell me when I'm wrong, which happens frequently.
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And we have two beautiful daughters, so I'm surrounded by smart, strong women.
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And in raising our girls, we've tried to instill in them basic values, a sense of compassion for others and respect for themselves,
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and the confidence that they can go as far as their imaginations and abilities will carry them.
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The point is, is that the aim of our work The point is,
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is that the aim of our work The point is,
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is that the aim of our work must be not to just have a few do well
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must be not to just have a few do well, but to have everybody have a chance.
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But to have everybody have a chance.
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But to have everybody have a chance, everybody who's willing to work for it,
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everybody who's willing to work for it, everybody who's willing to work for it,
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have the ability to dream big and then reach those dreams.
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Have the ability to dream big and then reach those dreams.
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Have the ability to dream big and then reach those dreams.
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Our nations are strongest
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when we uphold the
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equality of all our people,
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and that includes our women.
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Of all our people, and that includes our women.
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Of all our people, and that includes our women.
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You may have noticed, You may have noticed I am married to a very strong and talented woman.
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I am married to a very strong and talented woman.
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I am married to a very strong and talented woman.
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Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind
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Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind or tell me when I'm wrong,
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which happens frequently or tell me when I'm wrong, which happens frequently.
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Or tell me when I'm wrong, which happens frequently.
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And we have two beautiful daughters.
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And we have two beautiful daughters.
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and we have two beautiful daughters.
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So I'm surrounded by smart, strong women.
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So I'm surrounded by smart, strong women.
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So I'm surrounded by smart, strong women.
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And in raising our girls, we've tried to instill in them basic values.
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And in raising our girls, we've tried to instill in them basic values.
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A sense of compassion for others.
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and respect for themselves in the confidence that they can go as far as their imaginations
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and the confidence that they can go as far as their imaginations
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nations and abilities will carry them.
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And abilities will carry them.
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And abilities will carry them.

Context & Background

In this enlightening video featuring former President Barack Obama, learners are encouraged to immerse themselves in the art of communication. Obama’s speeches exemplify effective public speaking, with a focus on clarity, emotion, and inclusive messages. By utilizing his speeches as a learning tool, viewers can enhance their vocabulary, pronunciation, and overall fluency. The context of Obama's remarks promotes the ideals of opportunity, equality, and the importance of family values, making this an impactful resource for those seeking to learn English with YouTube.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • The aim of our work must be not to just have a few do well, but to have everybody have a chance. - A strong reminder of the value of equality and opportunity.
  • Everybody who's willing to work for it has the ability to dream big. - An encouraging phrase promoting hard work and ambition.
  • Our nations are strongest when we uphold the equality of all our people. - A phrase that emphasizes unity and diversity.
  • Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind or tell me when I'm wrong, which happens frequently. - A humorous admission that shows humility and respect in relationships.
  • A sense of compassion for others and respect for themselves. - Two core values essential for personal growth and societal harmony.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

Shadowing is a powerful technique that involves repeating what you hear in real-time, which enhances both improve English pronunciation and listening skills. Follow this step-by-step guide for optimal practice using Barack Obama's speech:

  1. Watch & Listen: Begin by watching the video without any distractions. Focus on Obama's pronunciation, pacing, and intonation.
  2. Repeat Portions: Start with short segments of his speech. Before attempting to shadow, listen carefully to fully understand what is being said.
  3. Emulate Together: Play a segment, pause it, and then try to repeat it aloud, mimicking not just the words but the rhythm and emotional tone. This is crucial for IELTS speaking practice as it trains your ability to respond spontaneously.
  4. Record Yourself: Use your phone or computer to record your shadowing practice. Listening back will help you identify areas where your pronunciation could improve.
  5. Analyze & Adjust: Compare your recording with the original. Pay attention to any differences in tone and pronunciation, and revisit difficult sections as needed.

Incorporating these methods into your routine can significantly enhance your speaking skills. Whether you are preparing for an interview or just looking to communicate more effectively, shadowing Barack Obama’s speeches can be an inspiring way to improve your English pronunciation and confidence in using the language.

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.