Shadowing Practice: Making suggestions is easy - 03 - English at Work shows you how - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Here we are again at Tip Top Trading,
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Here we are again at Tip Top Trading,
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where Anna's interview for a sales job has been suddenly interrupted.
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Office assistant Denise has entered the room, looking very worried.
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What's wrong?
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And will Anna have any suggestions that might help?
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I don't know what to do!
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So what's the matter, Denise?
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You know the PowerPoint presentation?
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The one we've been preparing for the last two months?
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Yes.
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The one that's very, very important and that we need this afternoon?
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That one.
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Aha!
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We've lost everything!
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No!
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I had it on a USB stick to transfer it,
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but the stick has vanished!
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Right, Anna.
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Now is your chance to help them find solutions to the problem.
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You'll need phrases like Can I make a suggestion?
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Why don't you?
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Have you tried?
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Maybe we could.
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How about...
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I have an idea.
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But don't you have it saved on your computer?
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No, it was taking up a lot of space, so I deleted it.
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So you have lost the only copy we have?
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Yes.
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What idiots.
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I've never seen such a disorganised office.
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Go on, you'd better help them, Anna.
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Can I make a suggestion?
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Yes, please do.
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Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin?
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It might still be there.
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I did.
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It isn't.
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Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick?
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I did.
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They haven't.
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How about looking through your rubbish bin to see if you threw it away by mistake?
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I don't do silly things like that.
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All very sensible suggestions, Anna.
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Thank you.
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Maybe I could do a big office search for you.
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I'm good at finding things.
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There are confidential documents in this office.
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Non-staff are not allowed to see them.
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Now, now, Denise, why don't you drink up that nice tea?
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I have an idea.
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Did you ever email the presentation to anyone?
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Golly gosh, you did, Denise.
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You emailed it to me to proofread.
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It'll be in my inbox somewhere.
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Good thinking, Anna.
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I was just about to make that suggestion myself.
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Problem solved.
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Thank you, Anna.
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Pleasure.
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Well done, Anna.
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Right, now, Please leave us Denise.
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Anna and I will continue our interview.
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Would you like a biscuit Anna?
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Thank you.
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Oh, what's that?
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Oh golly gosh, the USB stick.
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It was mixed in with the plate of biscuits that Denise brought in.
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It's wet!
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Yes, I think maybe I stirred my tea with it at one point.
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Oh well, now, where were we?
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My goodness, it's 11 o'clock.
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I have a meeting right now.
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I'm afraid I'm going to have to go.
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But I've made my mind up about you anyway.
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I suppose you'd like to know if you've got the job?
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Yes, please.
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Ah, stop right there.
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I'm sure everybody would like to know if Anna's got the job,
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but everybody's going to have to wait until we've heard her helpful phrases once again.
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Can I make a suggestion?
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Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin?
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Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick?
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How about...
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Maybe I could do a big office search for you?
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How about looking through your rubbish bin?
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I have an idea.
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Anna, we need someone who can think on her feet and who is a first-rate people person.
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Someone who sees solutions, not problems.
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Someone like you.
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So if you want the job, it's yours.
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Now think carefully, Anna.
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Do you really want to work for these people?
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They seem a bit disorganised.
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I would definitely like the job.
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Thank you.
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So be it.
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Join us again next week for Anna's first day as a sales executive at Tip Top Trading.

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Why practice speaking with this video?

This video provides an engaging context for learners to practice speaking English in a professional setting. By observing the interaction between Anna and Denise, viewers can absorb practical expressions and phrases for making suggestions. Engaging with realistic dialogues, like the one in this video, enhances your English speaking practice by allowing you to grasp the nuances of workplace conversations. Moreover, this context prepares you for real-world situations, making it beneficial for those preparing for the IELTS speaking section. Using a shadowing app while following along can help in replicating pronunciation and intonation patterns effectively.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

The video is rich in useful phrases and grammar structures that are essential for making suggestions. Here are a few key expressions:

  • Can I make a suggestion? - This opening phrase is polite and sets the stage for offering advice.
  • Why don't you...? - A common way to propose an idea, encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
  • Have you tried...? - This phrase suggests checking on previous solutions, promoting a logical approach to troubleshooting.
  • How about...? - A casual yet effective way to introduce an alternative idea without sounding too forceful.
  • Maybe we could... - This invites participation and shows a willingness to explore suggestions collectively.

Incorporating these phrases into your own speech can greatly enhance your IELTS speaking practice and everyday English conversations.

Common Pronunciation Traps

While navigating this video, pay attention to some common pronunciation challenges that non-native speakers may encounter:

  • Suggestions - The 'j' sound can be tricky; practice emphasizing it correctly.
  • Recycle bin - Be mindful of the linking sounds; it can be pronounced quickly as 'recyclebin' in casual speech.
  • Presentation - The syllables need to be distinct, as it's easy to blend them together. Focus on each syllable: pre-sen-ta-tion.

Practicing with a shadow speech method allows you to mirror these sounds, helping to refine your pronunciation and fluency.

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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