Shadowing Practice: No One Knew I Exist Until I Turned 15 - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Hi, I'm Anne from France, and I'm here to tell you my story.

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I was born when my mom was just 18.

Since childhood, mom wanted me to have everything in the world, everything she didn't have growing up.

One time, Christmas was coming, and I really wanted a Barbie I'd seen my friends play with,

but mom said she'd get it for me on Easter instead.

But mommy, you promised.

You can't break a pinky promise.

Please, please, please.

And on Christmas, I was so happy to see that she got the Barbie for me.

She was the best.

Soon, Mom started getting all sorts of random things.

A vase, some magazines, which I totally knew she'd never read, and the most bizarre things.

Tons of garden gnomes.

Like, why would

Mom buy that when we didn't have a garden?

I knew something was off.

For starters, we didn't need that stuff.

And secondly, I wondered where

Mom was getting the money from.

She worked as a baker in someone else's bakery, and I knew the job didn't pay that much.

So one time in seventh grade, when mom went grocery shopping, I followed her.

It was all normal.

But then suddenly, mom acted like a wild toddler and grabbed a bag of marshmallows and hid them inside her baggy sweater.

What?

Mom was stealing?

I ran to her, and she knew I'd seen her.

And she put the bag back.

When we got home, I confronted mom, and she broke down into tears.

What?

Who doesn't like marshmallows?

I just wanted them, so, um, I sort of just grabbed the bag.

Wow, that's your excuse?

Mom, you're not a two -year -old kid.

Please promise me you won't steal again.

Mom rolled her eyes, but promised, and I was relieved.

But one time during a parent teacher meeting, Mom lost it.

Seeing the teacher's table full of stationery, Mom's eyes widened, and I knew she was up to no good.

And I was right.

Just as the teacher went to bring my file, mom jumped up and started shoving the teacher's stationery in her bag.

Before I could react, I heard a laugh.

It was Billy from my class, and ever since I'd reported him for cheating on a test, he hated me.

This is epic.

Stealing school's stationery?

That's a new low.

He snatched mom's bag and turned it upside down.

It was the most embarrassing moment of my life, because mom hadn't just stolen the teacher's stuff.

She also had all sorts of things from around the school in her bag.

Everyone looked at us like we were freaks.

Later, I found myself in the principal's office with mom.

Anne, I truly don't know what to say.

This has never happened before.

I should be reporting the theft, no matter how small or big.

But I want to give you and your mom a chance.

Take her to a doctor.

Get her checked.

This isn't normal.

Of course it wasn't normal mom had become a habitual thief.

After many evaluations by the doctor, we learned that mom was in fact sick.

She had kleptomania, an uncontrollable urge to steal.

It wasn't her fault.

Mom, I'm so sorry.

I will do everything to help you get better.

Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry too.

I wanted to explain it, how it just happens.

I'm so ashamed of it all.

After that day, I supported mom on her road to recovery.

Mom totally avoided going to the supermarkets, which triggered her episodes.

She was getting treatment and was also in a self -help group.

In a few months, she was doing so much better.

But at school, things were anything but normal.

Since that parent -teacher meeting, I'd been Billy's favorite target to bully.

Seeing me, the guy would say stuff like, like mother, like daughter.

I need to check your bag too.

He kept doing this for weeks.

But one day, I just snapped and grabbed his shirt collar when he called me a thief.

Stay out of my way or I'll break your teeth.

Billy looked scared and I was proud of myself.

The idiot did leave me alone, but just for a while.

A few months later, we were having a fun fair at school and mom and I had set up a brownie stall.

Things were going perfect until Billy and his friends came to buy some brownies.

Brownies? For $2? So expensive.

It's like you're stealing from your customers.

Speaking of stealing, is your mom still a thief?

I'd had enough.

I slapped him hard and suddenly there was pin drop silence.

Billy, you are a certified jerk.

I bet even your family don't pretend to like you, do they?

Just get out of line and stay away from me and my mom.

Boy, did Billy look pissed.

I'd really hit a nerve there.

But then suddenly he shoved the stall

so hard i tried to push the stall back but i fell

and the large table fell on me i let out a scream i was taken to the hospital

and the doctor told me how i had a mild fracture

and had to wear a cast the next day the principal visited me at the hospital

and informed me how billy was expelled

and his parents were sending him to a really strict boarding school the guy totally deserved it

Billy gone, my life was perfect school.

100

I started to do well in class again and even topped in 10th grade.

101

I wanted to pass high school with flying colors and aim for a scholarship at a prestigious university.

102

Mom was so happy.

103

Oh, my love, I am so proud of you.

104

Mom, so am I.

105

The way you're managing your illness, you make me so proud.

106

Mom and I went to my grandma's for summer vacations and I had the most fun there.

107

When we returned, I was excited to go back to school.

108

But right on the first day, I was walking when a car whizzed past me at full speed, splashing mud all over me.

109

I realized that it was Billy's friend.

110

Yeah, now look like who you are.

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Dirt!

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I was furious.

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I so wanted to punch the guy, but just then someone threw a stone at the car and the jerk drove off.

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I turned to see a boy my age.

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What an idiot.

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Your clothes.

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Here, let me help.

118

As the boy helped me wiped the mud off my dress, I felt goosebumps.

119

Um, thanks, I can take care of it.

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Saying that, I walked away, feeling so nervous.

121

Gosh, that boy was so cute.

122

At school, the teacher announced that we had a new admission in our class,

123

and I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was none other than my savior.

124

His name was Sebastian, and spotting me, he sat next to me with a toothy grin.

125

Hey, I forgot to bring my books.

126

Can we share?

127

Sure thing.

128

Well, Sebastian seemed like a nice guy, and soon we became friends.

129

He always sat with me, and it made me a tad nervous because this guy was a hunk.

130

All the girls were crazy for him.

131

One time, there was a basketball match at our school, and all of a sudden, Sebastian took off his shirt,

132

and there was a loud gasp from the audience.

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And the next thing, all the girls were around him.

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Sebastian came running to me.

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Oh, please, Anne, save me from them.

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Then you shouldn't have taken off your shirt.

137

Oh, jealous?

138

What?

139

Why would I be jealous?

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Come on, I know you like me.

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Well, I'm hoping that you do, because the thing is, I like you, Anne.

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I like you a lot.

143

Saying that, he kissed me on the cheek and whispered that he'd pick me up for a date in the evening.

144

How could I say no to that?

145

For our first date, Sebastian took me to a picnic on the beach.

146

It was the perfect first date.

147

Before dropping me back home, he kissed me.

148

We dated for weeks, and I felt like I had the most perfect boyfriend ever.

149

I was falling for him hard.

150

Until one day, I saw Sebastian surrounded by Billy's friends.

151

What were they doing with Sebastian?

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Sebastian, can I talk to you?

153

Uh, yeah.

154

Maybe later.

155

So, what were you saying?

156

Whoa.

157

He actually did that.

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I was so mad.

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Throughout the day, I totally ignored him.

160

But he was constantly on my mind.

161

So much that I totally forgot about the big test we had in history class and I ended up failing miserably.

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Gosh, that's what you get when you think about boys.

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I reminded myself of my goal and decided not to worry about Sebastian at all.

164

But things only got messier when my teachers gave me an F for assignments, saying they never got them.

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I was so sure I emailed them all my assignments.

166

Some days later, I was called into the school's counselor's office and informed that if I wanted to get my scholarship,

167

I needed to bring my A -game and work harder.

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I poured all my strength into my studies.

169

But one night, I found Sebastian at my door.

170

Want to go out?

171

What?

172

You act like you don't know me and now you're here?

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No, I'm not going with you.

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You can go and hang out with those jerks.

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Babe, you got it all wrong.

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I was just busy.

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Please, come with me to this amazing party.

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Come on, you're my girlfriend.

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I was determined not to go, but when he literally begged me, I caved in.

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On our way, Sebastian asked me the most bizarre question ever.

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So, those jerk guys, they told me you got their best friend expelled.

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Some guy named Billy?

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What exactly happened?

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Got him expelled?

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I had nothing to do with it.

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He brought it upon himself.

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When we parked outside the party, I showed Sebastian pictures of the time I wore a cast.

188

And then I told him all about mom's kleptomania and how

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Billy was always pestering me, and what he did at the fun fair.

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He looked really shocked.

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Let's go somewhere else.

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This party doesn't look worth it.

193

What?

194

We drove like half an hour to be here.

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Come on.

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Well, that party was insane.

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At first, Sebastian seemed edgy, but later he loosened up and we danced like crazy.

198

But when Sebastian spun me, I suddenly found myself facing Billy.

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Hey, thief.

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Did you miss me?

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I'm so thankful to my brother for getting back at you.

202

Getting back at me?

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Brother?

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What was he talking about?

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I pushed him away.

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And looking at Sebastian, I could tell

207

Billy was telling the truth.

208

Sebastian was his brother.

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It was so fun messing with your head.

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First, making your grades go down.

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Even deleted your assignments from the school's main computer.

212

Then my brother totally fooled you into thinking he cared for you.

213

And now he's gonna dump you.

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Oh, you're so pathetic.

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Come on, let's finish this party on a fun note.

216

I felt furious.

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But before I could do anything, Sebastian pounced on Billy.

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Leave her alone.

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I told you not to do this.

220

You lied, Billy.

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You lied to me. So what?

222

Don't tell me you have the hots for her now.

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What happened to family before chicks.

224

I swear, Anne, he said you were the one who got him kicked out of school by wrongfully accusing him of something.

225

I'm so sorry.

226

You're apologizing to this bimbo?

227

And just then, Sebastian punched

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Billy square in the jaw and then came towards me.

229

But before Sebastian could even open that lying mouth of his, I gave him a tight slap.

230

Stay away from me.

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I hate you.

232

I ran from that party and cried my heart out to mom.

233

The next day, Sebastian wasn't at school or the next.

234

The teacher said he'd left.

235

Why do I care?

236

Good riddance.

237

But why couldn't I forget him?

238

I was crushed and distracted, and I just couldn't focus on my studies, and I actually failed high school.

239

All my dreams of going to some big university were crushed.

240

I felt depressed for a long time.

241

But one day, mom took me with her to her support group, and hearing the inspiring stories of others gave me hope.

242

Soon, I started working with mom at the bakery, and after a couple of years, we were able to open a little bakery of our own.

243

It was mom's dream, and I was glad that together, we could make it happen.

244

After a three -year break, I started preparing for high school exams, and this time, I topped and even got a scholarship to my favorite university.

245

Told you you could do it.

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I never stopped believing in you.

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Thanks, mom.

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I love you so much.

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One day, I was closing up the bakery when I heard a familiar voice calling my name.

250

It was Sebastian.

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Before you say anything, hear me out.

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I am so sorry, Anne.

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Billy, he's my baby brother.

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He lied to me.

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I should have known.

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I am so sorry for everything I did to you.

257

Fool me once, shame on you.

258

Fool me twice, shame on me.

259

The next day, a surprise awaited me at the bakery.

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It was Sebastian with a broom.

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What the heck?

262

Mom had actually hired him.

263

I really hated it, but Mom wanted me to give him a chance.

264

Because she knew that deep down, I still had feelings for that idiot.

265

Sebastian tried his best to win me over, but I stayed strong.

266

I couldn't let him know that I still cared.

267

One night at the bakery, Mom fainted suddenly, and it was Sebastian who took us to the hospital.

268

And we learned she'd had a stroke.

269

I was devastated.

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I was about to start college, and this happened.

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But thank God Sebastian was with us.

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He took care of mom and I was able to leave for college.

273

While I was miles away, mom called me every day and told me how Sebastian took care of her and the bakery.

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And then she said something that got me thinking about my feelings for Sebastian.

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Honey, you know, sometimes love needs a second chance because it wasn't ready the first time around.

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Think about it.

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She was so right.

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So during summer break, I traveled back to my town and went straight to the bakery where Sebastian was working alone.

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Hey, what are you doing here?

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Without replying, I kissed him and Sebastian swept me into his arms.

281

Anne, can we start over?

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Can we create new memories?

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Can you give me another chance?

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Because I love you so much.

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I love you too.

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This speaking lesson is built on the video “No One Knew I Exist Until I Turned 15”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: mom, Sebastian, billy. This video has 285 sentences and 2496 words to shadow. The speech runs for 13:27. The speaker talks fast, about 186 words per minute, so expect linked and reduced sounds. Only 80% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding.

Key vocabulary in this video

15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
billy noun	/ˈbɪli/	A highwayman's club, billy club.
bakery noun	/ˈbeɪ.kə.ɹi/	A place in which bread (and often other baked goods such as cakes) is baked and/or sold.
steal verb	/stiːl/	To take illegally, or without the owner's permission, something owned by someone else without intending to return it.
thief noun	/ˈθiːf/	One who carries out a theft.
assignment noun	/əˈsaɪn.mənt/	The act of assigning; the allocation of a job or a set of tasks.
scholarship noun	/ˈskɑːləɹʃɪp/	A grant-in-aid to a student.
stall noun	/stɔːl/	A compartment for a single animal in a stable or cattle shed.
stationary adjective	/ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛɹi/	Not moving.
punch noun	/pʌnt͡ʃ/	A hit or strike with one's fist.
jealous adjective	/ˈd͡ʒɛl.əs/	Suspecting rivalry in love; troubled by worries that one might have been replaced in someone's affections; suspicious of a lover's or spouse's fidelity.
crush verb	/kɹʌʃ/	To press between two hard objects; to squeeze so as to alter the natural shape or integrity, or to force together into a mass.
inform verb	/ɪnˈfɔɹm/	To communicate knowledge to.
bizarre adjective	/bɪˈzɑː(ɹ)/	Strangely unconventional; highly unusual and different from common experience, often in an extravagant, fantastic, and/or conspicuous way.
furious adjective	/ˈfjʊəɹi.əs/	Feeling great anger; raging; violent.
slap noun	/slæp/	A blow, especially one given with the open hand, or with something broad and flat.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
get back at verb		To retaliate against; to take revenge on.
take off verb		To remove.
close up verb	/kləʊzˈʌp/	To close (remove a gap) completely or fully.
drive off verb		To force to leave or go away.
end up verb		To bring to a conclusion.
get out of verb		To leave, exit or escape from; to become free of.
go back to verb		To stem from; to originate in.
go down verb		To descend; to move from a higher place to a lower one.

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

Mom buy that when we didn't have a garden?
Wow, that's your excuse?
Speaking of stealing, is your mom still a thief?
I bet even your family don't pretend to like you, do they?
You're apologizing to this bimbo?

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 51 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, you're, I'd. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: thief /ˈθiːf/, seventh /ˈsɛvənθ/, theft /θɛft/, pathetic /pəˈθɛtɪk/, thankful /ˈθæŋkfəl/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: scholarship /ˈskɑːləɹʃɪp/, stationary /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛɹi/, crush /kɹʌʃ/, gosh /ɡɑːʃ/, shove /ʃʌv/
Long words — get the stress right: stationary /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛɹi/, evaluation /ɪˌvæljuˈeɪʃn̩/, apologize /əˈpɑləˌd͡ʒaɪz/, supermarket /ˌsupɚˈmɑɹkət/, devastated /ˈdɛv.əˌsteɪ.təd/

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 billy, bakery, steal.

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.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →

Shadowing Practice: No One Knew I Exist Until I Turned 15 - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

Key vocabulary in this video

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Sentences worth repeating

Pronunciation to watch

How to practise with this video

What is the Shadowing Technique?