Shadowing Practice: Office & workplace | Intermediate english conversation | English Podcast - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
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This is your Everyday English class.
514 sentences
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1
This is your Everyday English class.
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Hello, welcome to English Cactus.
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My name is Anna.
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And my name is Brian.
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This podcast will help you practice your English in a fun and natural way,
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improving your listening skills.
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Today we're talking about office and workplace English.
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Many people think learning English is only about grammar books,
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but the truth is different.
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Real English happens in real-life situations,
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like talking to your coworker,
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joining a meeting, or asking your manager for feedback.
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That's right.
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And let's be honest.
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Sometimes these moments can feel scary.
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Maybe you think, what if I say something wrong in front of my boss?
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Or what if I don't understand my coworker during a meeting?
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We know the feeling.
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But here's the good news.
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You don't need to be perfect.
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You only need short, clear sentences that people understand.
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And in this episode, you'll learn many of them.
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You'll also hear a conversation between Daniel,
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who is new in the office,
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and Olivia, who has more experience.
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They will talk about daily routines,
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meetings, tasks, deadlines, workplace communication, and even work-life balance.
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So relax, grab your coffee,
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and don't worry if you don't understand everything at first.
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Because after the dialogue, we'll explain the key sentences,
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the vocabulary, and the cultural tips.
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And when you listen again,
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it will be much easier.
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Don't forget to subscribe to the channel.
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Your support is really important,
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and this way you won't miss any new episodes.
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And leave a comment telling us where you are from.
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We love to know who is learning with us.
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Now, let's begin.
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Hi, Olivia.
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Can I ask you something?
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This is my first week,
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and I'm still not sure how to follow the daily routine here.
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Sure thing, Daniel.
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No problem at all.
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I remember my first week, too.
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It can feel confusing.
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Thanks.
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So what time do people usually start working?
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Most people arrive around 9 a.m.
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Some come earlier, like 8.30,
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to have a quiet start.
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We usually begin the day by checking emails and looking at our schedule.
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Schedule?
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You mean like a to-do list?
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Yes, exactly.
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Some people use apps, others write on paper.
58
The point is to plan.
59
For example, I always write down three main tasks for the day.
60
That's smart.
61
I normally just try to remember everything,
62
and then I forget half of it.
63
Don't worry.
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You'll get better.
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Keep going.
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You're doing great already.
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And remember to take breaks.
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At 10.30, we usually grab coffee together.
69
Oh, I wasn't sure if coffee breaks were allowed.
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Of course.
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Short breaks help productivity.
72
You can stretch, walk a little, or chat with co-workers.
73
It's a good way to relax and also do some networking.
74
Networking?
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Like making professional friends?
76
Exactly.
77
Even simple conversations during breaks can help you build connections.
78
Yesterday, I joined my first meeting.
79
Honestly, I was nervous.
80
Was it online or in the meeting room?
81
Online, with cameras on.
82
I wasn't sure if I should speak much.
83
That's normal.
84
In meetings here, participation is important.
85
Even if you say something simple like,
86
I agree with that point,
87
or that's a good idea, it shows you're engaged.
88
Sometimes I'm afraid to make grammar mistakes in front of everyone.
89
Don't worry about perfect grammar.
90
People prefer clear, short messages.
91
For example, instead of a long sentence,
92
just say, I think this works.
93
That sounds easier.
94
Yes, and remember, study English every day and you'll feel more confident with time.
95
One more thing.
96
Yesterday, I wasn't sure if I should interrupt to ask a question.
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Good question.
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Here, it's fine to politely ask,
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sorry, may I ask a quick question?
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Or could you repeat that, please?
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That's normal and shows you are paying attention.
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That helps.
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I'll try it next time.
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I see the word deadline everywhere in emails.
105
It makes me nervous.
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I know.
107
Deadlines can sound scary, but think of them as guides.
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They help you manage time.
109
Yesterday, I tried to do five tasks at once, and I finished none.
110
That happens to everyone.
111
Here's what I do.
112
In the morning, I list tasks.
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I put urgent ones first.
114
If something is due today,
115
I work on that before checking less important emails.
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Makes sense.
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Do you use an app for that?
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Yes, I use Trello, but even a notebook works.
119
The key is to see your tasks clearly.
120
And what if I can't finish something on time?
121
Always communicate.
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You can say, I need more time for this report.
123
Can we adjust the deadline?
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Managers prefer honesty to silence.
125
That's good advice.
126
In my old job, people hid problems until it was too late.
127
Here, we try to be open.
128
Remember, you're part of a team.
129
Asking for help is not weakness.
130
It's smart.
131
Speaking of the team, I sometimes don't know how to talk to the manager.
132
Should I be very formal?
133
Here, communication is usually clear and direct.
134
We use first names, even with managers.
135
For example, you can say,
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hi, Sarah, can I ask you something about this project?
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So no Mr. or Mrs?
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Not in this office.
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But if you're not sure,
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you can politely ask, how would you like me to address you?
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That shows respect.
142
Yesterday, I wanted to give feedback,
143
but I was afraid it might sound rude.
144
Feedback is welcome, but keep it polite and constructive.
145
For example, I liked this part of the project.
146
Maybe we can also try this idea.
147
It's positive and helpful.
148
I see.
149
And with co-workers?
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Always be kind.
151
Even small words like thanks so much or good job build a positive atmosphere.
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That's good.
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I'll start saying those more.
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Daniel, one last question.
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How do people here manage work and personal life?
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That's a very important point.
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Work-life balance is part of our culture.
158
People try not to stay too late.
159
After work, they go home,
160
exercise, spend time with family, or just rest.
161
In my last job, people worked until 9 p.m almost every day.
162
That's not sustainable.
163
Think of it this way.
164
Tired workers make more mistakes.
165
Rest is part of productivity.
166
True.
167
What do you usually do after work?
168
I go to the gym three times a week.
169
On other days, I read before bed.
170
Reading helps me relax and also learn something new.
171
I like that.
172
I used to play guitar but stopped because of work.
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Maybe I should start again.
174
Definitely.
175
Hobbies are important.
176
They keep you creative and balanced.
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I'll make time for that.
178
Great.
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Remember, this job is a marathon, not a sprint.
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Keep learning something new every day and don't forget your health.
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Thanks so much, Olivia.
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You've given me more than just work tips.
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You gave me life advice.
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Anytime, Daniel.
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Welcome to the office family.
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You're doing great already.
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Just keep going.
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Hello, friends.
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Now that you heard the conversation between Daniel and Olivia,
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let's slow down and look at it step by step.
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We'll check some important sentences,
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explain why they are useful, and give you examples.
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That's right.
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Don't worry if you didn't understand everything in the dialogue.
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Listening is like exercise.
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The more you repeat, the stronger you get.
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Keep going.
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You're doing great.
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Anna said, I'm still new here and I want to understand how things really work in this office.
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This is a great way to show openness when you are new at work.
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You can also say, I want to learn how things are done here.
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And Olivia answered, sure thing, Daniel.
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No problem at all.
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That's a friendly and natural way to agree.
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Instead of just, yes, she used a warm expression.
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Other options could be, of course, or absolutely.
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Another key phrase was, deadlines are important, but don't panic.
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This is Olivia giving advice.
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It means deadlines guide us,
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but we shouldn't feel afraid.
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Daniel responded with, Yesterday I tried to do five tasks at once and I finished none.
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This is very natural English.
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Notice how he used at once.
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You can also say, I tried to do everything at the same time.
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Olivia also gave a useful phrase.
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If you need more time for this report,
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can we adjust the deadline?
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This is polite and professional.
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Instead of saying, I can't do it,
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you ask for an adjustment.
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Daniel showed honesty with, In my old job,
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people hid problems until it was too late.
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This is a good example of comparing experiences.
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You can also use this style to practice English storytelling.
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In my old school or in my last class.
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Another important phrase was, How would you like me to address you?
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This is excellent when you're not sure if you should say,
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Mr., Mrs., or just a first name.
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It shows respect.
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And Olivia replied with advice,
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In this office, we usually use first names even with managers.
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That's a cultural detail and it changes from country to country.
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Always good to ask first.
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Finally, Olivia said, this job is a marathon, not a sprint.
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This is a metaphor.
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It means you should work steadily,
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not too fast, and keep balance.
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Daniel reacted with, you've given me more than just work tips.
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You gave me life advice.
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That's a beautiful phrase.
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It shows gratitude and you can use this in many situations with mentors or friends.
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Now let's check the main vocabulary.
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The first word is deadline.
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A deadline is the last day or time to finish a task.
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For example, the deadline for this report is Friday.
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The opposite would be flexible time when there's no strict limit.
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Next is meeting.
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A meeting is when people come together to talk about work.
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It can be face-to-face or online.
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For example, we have a meeting at 2 p.m.
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If it's online, you can say Zoom meeting.
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Another word is co-worker.
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A co-worker is someone you work with.
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For example, my co-worker helped me with the project.
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The opposite could be stranger, someone outside the workplace.
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Then we have office supplies.
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These are materials like pens, notebooks, staplers, and paper.
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For example, I need some office supplies from the storage room.
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Another useful word is schedule.
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A schedule is your plan of tasks or events.
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For example, my schedule is full today.
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The opposite could be free time.
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Next is report.
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A report is a document that gives information, usually written for managers.
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Example, I will send the report by email.
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Finally, overtime.
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Overtime means working extra hours beyond the usual schedule.
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Example, we had to work overtime to finish the project.
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Let's talk about culture in the workplace.
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First, punctuality.
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In the U.S and many countries,
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being on time is a sign of respect.
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If the meeting starts at 9,
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you should be there at 8.55.
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Second, online meetings.
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It's common to turn on your camera,
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speak clearly, and dress professionally, even at home.
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People see it as respect.
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Third, direct communication.
280
Americans often say things in a simple, clear way.
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For example, instead of saying,
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I was wondering if perhaps you could maybe,
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they say, can you help me with this?
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It's polite and direct.
285
Fourth, work-life balance.
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Many companies encourage employees to take breaks and go home on time.
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The idea is that rest improves productivity.
288
And finally, internal networking.
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Having coffee with co-workers, eating lunch together,
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or chatting in the corridor are part of building relationships.
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Sometimes opportunities come from these casual talks.
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So friends, remember, learning office English is not only about vocabulary,
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but also culture and habits.
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Exactly.
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Keep going, you're doing great.
296
And now let's move to some model sentences you can practice for yourself.
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Now let's look at some model sentences.
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These phrases will help you in real office situations,
299
when you talk to co-workers, managers, or join meetings.
300
Try to repeat them out loud.
301
And remember, don't worry if you make mistakes.
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Keep going, you're doing great.
303
Even short and simple phrases can help you sound confident at work.
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I usually check my emails in the morning.
305
Another option, my schedule starts at 9 a.m and ends at 5 p.m.
306
If you forget the word schedule,
307
you can just say, I start at 9 and finish at 5.
308
Can you repeat that please?
309
Or, I agree with that point.
310
If you're nervous, you can keep it simple.
311
Yes, that's good.
312
Or, I understand.
313
The deadline for this report is Friday.
314
Another option, can we extend the deadline?
315
If you forget the word deadline,
316
you can say, can I have more time for this task?
317
Can I have feedback on this project?
318
Or, what do you recommend for the next step?
319
If you want something short,
320
you can just say, is this okay?
321
Or, do you like it?
322
I don't usually work overtime.
323
Another useful one, I like to spend time with my family after work.
324
If you don't remember the word overtime,
325
you can say, I sometimes stay late at work.
326
See how easy these sentences are?
327
You can change one or two words and make your own.
328
For example, instead of I check my emails in the morning,
329
you can say I check my reports in the morning.
330
Or instead of the deadline is Friday,
331
you can say the deadline is next week.
332
The structure stays the same, only the detail changes.
333
Here's a tip.
334
Write down three sentences today and practice them tomorrow.
335
Study English every day and soon it will feel natural.
336
And now, we'll play the full dialogue again.
337
This time, it will be much easier to understand because you already know the vocabulary,
338
the model sentences, and the cultural tips.
339
Hi, Olivia.
340
Can I ask you something?
341
This is my first week,
342
and I'm still not sure how to follow the daily routine here.
343
Sure thing, Daniel.
344
No problem at all.
345
I remember my first week, too.
346
It can feel confusing.
347
Thanks.
348
So, what time do people usually start working?
349
Most people arrive around 9am.
350
Some come earlier, like 8.30 to have a quiet start.
351
We usually begin the day by checking emails and looking at our schedule.
352
Schedule?
353
You mean like a to-do list?
354
Yes, exactly.
355
Some people use apps, others write on paper.
356
The point is to plan.
357
For example, I always write down three main tasks for the day.
358
That's smart.
359
I normally just try to remember everything and then I forget half of it.
360
Don't worry.
361
You'll get better.
362
Keep going.
363
You're doing great already.
364
And remember to take breaks.
365
At 10.30, we usually grab coffee together.
366
Oh, I wasn't sure if coffee breaks were allowed.
367
Of course.
368
Short breaks help productivity.
369
You can stretch, walk a little, or chat with co-workers.
370
It's a good way to relax and also do some networking.
371
Networking?
372
Like making professional friends?
373
Exactly.
374
Even simple conversations during breaks can help you build connections.
375
Yesterday, I joined my first meeting.
376
Honestly, I was nervous.
377
Was it online or in the meeting room?
378
Online, with cameras on.
379
I wasn't sure if I should speak much.
380
That's normal.
381
In meetings here, participation is important.
382
Even if you say something simple like,
383
I agree with that point,
384
or that's a good idea, it shows you're engaged.
385
Sometimes I'm afraid to make grammar mistakes in front of everyone.
386
Don't worry about perfect grammar.
387
People prefer clear, short messages.
388
For example, instead of a long sentence,
389
just say, I think this works.
390
That sounds easier.
391
Yes, and remember, study English every day and you'll feel more confident with time.
392
One more thing.
393
Yesterday, I wasn't sure if I should interrupt to ask a question.
394
Good question.
395
Here, it's fine to politely ask,
396
sorry, may I ask a quick question,
397
or could you repeat that please?
398
That's normal and shows you are paying attention.
399
That helps.
400
I'll try it next time.
401
I see the word deadline everywhere in emails.
402
It makes me nervous.
403
I know.
404
Deadlines can sound scary, but think of them as guides.
405
They help you manage time.
406
Yesterday, I tried to do five tasks at once, and I finished none.
407
That happens to everyone.
408
Here's what I do.
409
In the morning, I list tasks.
410
I put urgent ones first.
411
If something is due today,
412
I work on that before checking less important emails.
413
Makes sense.
414
Do you use an app for that?
415
Yes, I use Trello, but even a notebook works.
416
The key is to see your tasks clearly.
417
And what if I can't finish something on time?
418
Always communicate.
419
You can say, I need more time for this report.
420
Can we adjust the deadline?
421
Managers prefer honesty to silence.
422
That's good advice.
423
In my old job, people hid problems until it was too late.
424
Here, we try to be open.
425
Remember, you're part of a team.
426
Asking for help is not weakness.
427
It's smart.
428
Speaking of the team, I sometimes don't know how to talk to the manager.
429
Should I be very formal?
430
Here, communication is usually clear and direct.
431
We use first names, even with managers.
432
For example, you can say,
433
Hi Sarah, can I ask you something about this project?
434
So no Mr. or Mrs.? Not in this office.
435
But if you're not sure,
436
you can politely ask, How would you like me to address you?
437
That shows respect.
438
Yesterday I wanted to give feedback,
439
but I was afraid it might sound rude.
440
Feedback is welcome, but keep it polite and constructive.
441
For example, I liked this part of the project.
442
Maybe we can also try this idea.
443
It's positive and helpful.
444
I see.
445
And with co-workers?
446
Always be kind.
447
Even small words like thanks so much or good job build a positive atmosphere.
448
That's good.
449
I'll start saying those more.
450
Daniel, one last question.
451
How do people here manage work and personal life?
452
That's a very important point.
453
Work-life balance is part of our culture.
454
People try not to stay too late.
455
After work, they go home,
456
exercise, spend time with family, or just rest.
457
In my last job, people worked until 9 p.m almost every day.
458
That's not sustainable.
459
Think of it this way.
460
Tired workers make more mistakes.
461
Rest is part of productivity.
462
True.
463
What do you usually do after work?
464
I go to the gym three times a week.
465
On other days, I read before bed.
466
Reading helps me relax and also learn something new.
467
I like that.
468
I used to play guitar but stopped because of work.
469
Maybe I should start again.
470
Definitely.
471
Hobbies are important.
472
They keep you creative and balanced.
473
I'll make time for that.
474
Great.
475
Remember, this job is a marathon, not a sprint.
476
Keep learning something new every day and don't forget your health.
477
Thanks so much, Olivia.
478
You've given me more than just work tips.
479
You gave me life advice.
480
Anytime, Daniel.
481
Welcome to the Office family.
482
You're doing great already.
483
Just keep going.
484
Today, we learned so much.
485
We talked about the daily routine in an office,
486
how to participate in meetings,
487
how to handle tasks and deadlines,
488
how to communicate clearly, and even how to keep balance between work and personal life.
489
That's right.
490
And remember, office English is not only about difficult words.
491
It's about short, clear sentences you can use every day.
492
Even phrases like, can you repeat that please?
493
the deadline is Friday can make you sound more confident.
494
Keep practicing.
495
Keep speaking.
496
Study English every day.
497
You don't need to be perfect.
498
You just need to communicate.
499
Now, let me ask you.
500
If you worked in an international office,
501
what would be your biggest challenge?
502
Meetings, deadlines, or communication with coworkers?
503
Think about it and share your answer in the comments.
504
Every time you write or share,
505
you practice your English and connect with others.
506
Don't just listen, apply what you learned today.
507
And don't forget, subscribe to the channel,
508
share this episode with a friend,
509
and keep learning with us.
510
You're doing great.
511
Stay motivated, keep improving, and never stop learning.
512
Take care, everyone.
513
Keep practicing, keep growing.
514
Goodbye.
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Context & Background
In this episode of the Everyday English podcast, hosts Anna and Brian introduce essential phrases and vocabulary relevant to the office and workplace environment. They emphasize that learning English goes beyond grammatical rules, highlighting the importance of real-life scenarios such as conversing with colleagues, attending meetings, and presenting oneself to managers. The dialogue features a conversation between Daniel, who is new to the office, and Olivia, who provides guidance and shares her experiences. As they discuss daily routines, tasks, and workplace communication, the dialogue serves as an excellent practical example for learners.
Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication
- “What time do people usually start working?” - A question to clarify office hours.
- “Can I ask you something?” - A polite way to initiate a conversation.
- “I remember my first week, too.” - Expressing empathy and shared experience.
- “Thanks for your help!” - A simple phrase to show appreciation.
- “It can feel confusing.” - Acknowledge challenges in adapting to new environments.
Step-by-step Shadowing Guide
If you are looking to enhance your English speaking practice through shadowing techniques, this episode provides an excellent foundation. Here’s how you can effectively use shadowing to improve your skills:
- Listen Actively: Start by listening to the podcast carefully, focusing on the tone, pronunciation, and rhythm of the conversation between Daniel and Olivia.
- Repeat After Each Sentence: As you listen, pause the audio after key sentences and repeat them out loud. This shadow speech method helps improve your pronunciation and fluency.
- Practice Key Phrases: Pay special attention to the top phrases listed above. Reiterate them in different scenarios to feel comfortable using them in real conversations.
- Engage With the Content: Try summarizing the daily routines or tasks discussed in the dialogue in your own words. This helps reinforce vocabulary and context.
- Record Yourself: Use a shadowspeaks app or any recording tool to capture your voice while you practice. Listening to yourself can provide valuable insights into your speaking abilities and areas for improvement.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can effectively utilize shadowing on a dedicated shadowing site, enhancing your English speaking skills. With consistent practice, you will find that engaging in workplace conversations becomes much easier and more natural!
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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