Shadowing Practice: Morgan Freeman Roasts Denzel Washington | AFI 2019 | TNT - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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40 years ago, 1979, Denzel and I were in a Joseph Papp production of "Coriolanus." I was the lead.
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40 years ago, 1979, Denzel and I were in a Joseph Papp production of "Coriolanus." I was the lead.
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Denzel was a stage prop.
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[LAUGHTER] Now, he has publicly said many times that during rehearsal he came to me with questions, suggestions about how we should play a sword fight scene that could be extended with some extra stabbing and wounding and [MUTED].
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He said that I looked at him, after asking his name, and I told him this-- kid, we click swords three times, I stab you, you fall down and die.
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[LAUGHTER] I'm going to tell you the correct story.
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What I actually said to Denzel was-- you're that brilliant young actor just out of Fordham University.
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[LAUGHTER] That was a great suggestion.
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[LAUGHTER] Joe Papp never thought of it.
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Hell, Shakespeare didn't think of that one.
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Clearly, you know better than the two of them how this thing should be staged.
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What a fine eye for action-- I think you have a bright career ahead of you.
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And I hope one day to perhaps work with you in a film.
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But until then, you get back where you belong.
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When you come out on stage, we click swords three times.
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I stab you, and you fall down and die.
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[APPLAUSE] Now, I'm much too young to remember the very first AFI Life Achievement Award back in 1973.
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But I'm pretty sure of this.
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When they created this award, Denzel Hayes Washington Jr was waiting in the wings.
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Denzel, my dear friend, congratulations.
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[APPLAUSE]

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Context & Background

In the 2019 AFI event, celebrated actor Morgan Freeman humorously reflected on his early days working with Denzel Washington in a Joseph Papp production of "Coriolanus." Freeman cleverly reinterprets a past rehearsal scenario where he, as the leading actor, jokingly downplays Washington's creative suggestions regarding a sword fight scene. This playful banter not only highlights the camaraderie between the two actors but also showcases Freeman's unique style of storytelling and wit, making it an excellent case study for learners aiming to understand conversational English, humor, and the art of storytelling.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “Kid, we click swords three times.” - A playful expression that indicates a straightforward approach to communication.
  • “You have a bright career ahead of you.” - A supportive phrase that offers encouragement and recognition.
  • “What a fine eye for action.” - A compliment that recognizes someone's talent or ability.
  • “Get back where you belong.” - A humorous and informal way to suggest returning to one’s role or place.
  • “Congratulations, my dear friend.” - A warm and friendly way to celebrate someone's achievements.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

Engaging with this video can significantly enhance your English-speaking skills, especially through the practice of shadow speech and shadowspeak. Here's how you can effectively incorporate shadowing techniques while watching:

  1. Watch the Video Without Sound: Initially, watch the clip without sound to understand the context and emotion conveyed through the actors' facial expressions and body language.
  2. Listen and Repeat: Play the video with sound. Pause after each sentence or phrase, and repeat it aloud. Focus on imitating Morgan Freeman’s tone and rhythm to grasp the subtleties of comedic timing.
  3. Record Yourself: Use your phone or computer to record yourself shadowing the phrases you've practiced. Listening back will help you identify areas for improvement.
  4. Focus on Intonation: Pay close attention to the intonation and emphasis placed on specific words. This will enhance your ability to sound natural and engaging in conversation.
  5. Practice Regularly: Make this a part of your daily routine. Visit a **shadowing site** or use platforms that offer a variety of videos for practice. Consistency is key to mastering English communication skills.

By integrating these steps into your English learning routine, you can efficiently develop your speaking abilities through engaging content. Remember, practicing with entertaining and dynamic material, like this AFI roast, makes learning enjoyable and effective. Start your journey to learn English with YouTube today!

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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