Shadowing Practice: Pronunciation Practice: 50+ English Words to Sound Natural - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
1
Shadow these difficult English words.
2
I wanted to go through some words that you guys might have trouble pronouncing.
3
I'll show you how to pronounce them slowly first,
4
and then as a native speaker would pronounce them.
5
Repeat after me, and repeat out loud.
6
Not in your head.
7
Part one.
8
Reduced sounds.
9
Com-f-ter-ble.
10
Comfortable.
11
This couch is comfortable.
12
This couch is comfortable.
13
Vegetable.
14
I love that vegetable.
15
Chocolate.
16
Chocolate.
17
I love chocolate.
18
I love chocolate.
19
Little.
20
Little.
21
My brother is so little.
22
My brother is so little.
23
Interesting.
24
Interesting.
25
That is so interesting.
26
That is so interesting.
27
Jewelry.
28
Jewelry.
29
I have new jewelry.
30
I have new jewelry.
31
Literally.
32
Literally. That is literally awesome. That is literally awesome.
33
Legitimately.
34
Legitimately.
35
I legitimately didn't know.
36
I legitimately didn't know.
37
Uncomfortable.
38
Uncomfortable.
39
I feel uncomfortable.
40
I feel uncomfortable.
41
comfortably comfortably I
42
sit comfortably I sit comfortably
43
You might sound unnatural because you're pronouncing every syllable and native speakers don't.
44
Uncomfortable.
45
Legitimately.
46
Vegetable.
47
vegetable.
48
We reduce sounds.
49
Now, this next part is what makes you sound native.
50
Of a cup of coffee.
51
A cup of coffee. For.
52
This is for you.
53
This is for you.
54
N. U.
55
N. I You and I.
56
Your.
57
Your phone is ringing.
58
Your phone is ringing.
59
Now some R sounds.
60
Girl.
61
I am a girl.
62
I'm a girl.
63
World.
64
This is my world.
65
This is my world.
66
Bird I hear the bird I hear the bird Now,
67
some consonant clusters Clothes Clothes These are my clothes
68
These are my clothes Months.
69
I went to the doctor two months ago.
70
I went to the doctor two months ago.
71
Shrimp.
72
Shrimp.
73
I ate shrimp.
74
I ate shrimp.
75
Now, some silent letters.
76
Wednesday.
77
Wednesday.
78
I go on Wednesday.
79
I go on Wednesday.
80
Salmon.
81
Salmon.
82
I love salmon.
83
I love salmon.
84
Honest.
85
Honest.
86
I am honest.
87
I'm honest.
88
Q. I'm waiting in the queue.
89
Receipt.
90
This is my receipt.
91
This is my receipt.
92
Recipe.
93
Recipe.
94
Recipe.
95
This is the secret recipe.
96
Don't confuse receipt with recipe, please.
97
February.
98
February It is February It is February
99
Island Island I want to visit an island.
100
I want to visit an island.
101
Castle.
102
Castle.
103
Look at the castle.
104
Look at the castle.
105
Listen.
106
Listen.
107
Listen to me.
108
Listen to me.
109
Listen to the Slow English Podcast.
110
Hour.
111
Hour.
112
This video is one hour.
113
Debt I need to pay off my debt.
114
I need to pay off my debt.
115
Subtle Part 5.
116
This next part is very important to be able to understand native speakers.
117
Connected speech.
118
bottle of water.
119
Bottle of water.
120
I drink from my bottle of water.
121
I drink from my bottle of water.
122
I don't know.
123
I don't know.
124
What are you?
125
What are you doing?
126
What are you doing?
127
Give me a second.
128
Give me a sec.
129
Give me a second.
130
Want to.
131
Wanna.
132
Wanna go? Did you? Did ya? Did you eat? Did ya eat?
133
Let me.
134
Lemme.
135
Lemme.
136
Lemme see.
137
If you only practice individual words, you'll never sound natural.
138
You need to practice connections.
139
If you're enjoying this video, don't forget to like it so that I know and I can make more videos like this.
140
And don't forget to subscribe for more English practice.
141
Next part.
142
The sound.
143
Three.
144
Three.
145
Think.
146
Think.
147
This.
148
This.
149
Notice the difference between think and this.
150
Think you blow.
151
This you vibrate, but both keep the tongue between the teeth.
152
Think this.
153
Think this.
154
I think you are beautiful.
155
This is your English class.
156
Those are beautiful flowers.
157
Through.
158
I walk through the market. Though. Though.
159
It was hard though.
160
Throughout.
161
Throughout the year.
162
Thought.
163
I thought about it. Although. Although I'm not sure.
164
Very good.
165
Part seven, rhythm.
166
Unfortunately.
167
Unfortunately.
168
I unfortunately couldn't go.
169
I unfortunately couldn't go.
170
Fortunately.
171
Fortunately.
172
Fortunately.
173
Fortunately, I found my sweater.
174
Fortunately, I found my sweater.
175
Especially.
176
Especially.
177
I especially love fish.
178
I especially love fish.
179
Reliable.
180
Reliable.
181
I am a reliable person.
182
I am a reliable person.
183
I am a reliable person.
184
Very good.
185
Congratulations.
186
Congratulations.
187
Congratulations to you.
188
Congratulations to you.
189
Circumstances.
190
Circumstances.
191
Circumstances.
192
Those are the circumstances.
193
Those are the circumstances.
194
Keep going.
195
Keep going.
196
You can do it.
197
Almost done.
198
Almost there.
199
Now, some advanced words.
200
Unforgetable.
201
Unforgetable.
202
Yesterday was unforgettable.
203
Yesterday was unforgettable.
204
Infrastructure.
205
Infrastructure. That is good infrastructure. That is good infrastructure.
206
Entrepreneur.
207
Entrepreneur.
208
I am an entrepreneur.
209
I am an entrepreneur. That one's so difficult.
210
If you got it, congratulations.
211
Very good.
212
Bureaucracy.
213
Bureaucracy.
214
Too much bureaucracy.
215
Too much bureaucracy.
216
Very good.
217
Aneurysm.
218
Aneurysm.
219
He had an aneurysm.
220
He had an aneurysm.
221
Very difficult.
222
Insomnia.
223
Insomnia.
224
Insomnia.
225
Last night I had insomnia.
226
Last night I had insomnia.
227
You're doing a great job.
228
Keep going.
229
Last one.
230
Murderer.
231
Murderer.
232
He is a murderer.
233
He's a murderer.
234
This video is getting too long, so I will finish the rest of the words that I wrote next week.
235
And if you have any other words that you need help pronouncing, leave them in the comments.
236
Native speakers reduce sounds and connect words.
237
That's what makes you sound natural.
238
Repeat, repeat, repeat.
239
I can't emphasize this enough.
240
That's the only way you'll get better.
241
Speak out loud.
242
Practice with this video every day until it's nothing to pronounce.
243
I chose most of these words from my Instagram.
244
So if you want to be a part of next video's topic and the words that I pronounce,
245
then go check my Instagram account.
246
Like and subscribe.
247
If you like this video, you'll probably like these next two that I made just for you.
248
And remember, never stop learning.
📺 Same Channel
Slow English Podcast | Can you answer in English?A2
1

Slow English Podcast | Can you answer in English?

Education
Slow English Podcast | Shadow Begginer EnglishA2
1

Slow English Podcast | Shadow Begginer English

Education
Practice SLOW English for A1 Beginners! -- Talk about 👉FAMILYA1
173

Practice SLOW English for A1 Beginners! -- Talk about 👉FAMILY

General
Slow English Podcast | My English communityB1
2

Slow English Podcast | My English community

Education
Learn English While I’m Sick | Slow English for BeginnersA2
13

Learn English While I’m Sick | Slow English for Beginners

Education
SLOW English Podcast - My stressful trip to China!🇨🇳(comprehensible input)B1
1

SLOW English Podcast - My stressful trip to China!🇨🇳(comprehensible input)

General
How to Actually Learn English With MeB1
1

How to Actually Learn English With Me

Education
Slow English PodcastB1
3

Slow English Podcast

General
Learn English with me✨Slow English PodcastA2
15

Learn English with me✨Slow English Podcast

Education
Slow English Podcast | how I lost my voice?B1
2

Slow English Podcast | how I lost my voice?

General
Absolute Beginner English | Comprehensible input for BeginnersA1
130

Absolute Beginner English | Comprehensible input for Beginners

General
Slow English PodcastA2
5

Slow English Podcast

General
Slow English Listening for Beginners - Talking about 👉LANGUAGESA2
3

Slow English Listening for Beginners - Talking about 👉LANGUAGES

People & Blogs
Sleep and Learn English: Shadow Positive Affirmations 😴A2
1

Sleep and Learn English: Shadow Positive Affirmations 😴

Education
Can You Understand This English? | Advanced Listening PracticeB2
4

Can You Understand This English? | Advanced Listening Practice

General
SLOW English Podcast for A2-B1 intemediate levels!-- Planning my first trip!✈️B1
5

SLOW English Podcast for A2-B1 intemediate levels!-- Planning my first trip!✈️

People & Blogs
Slow English for Beginners (A1 Listening Practice)A1
23

Slow English for Beginners (A1 Listening Practice)

People & Blogs
ASMR Learn English while sleeping with relaxing sounds: Slow English PodcastA2
2

ASMR Learn English while sleeping with relaxing sounds: Slow English Podcast

Education
SLOW English Podcast for High Beginners! A2-B1 — My Trip to the USA! 🇺🇸(comprehensible input)B1
1

SLOW English Podcast for High Beginners! A2-B1 — My Trip to the USA! 🇺🇸(comprehensible input)

People & Blogs
Slow English Reading - Learn English with Children’s Books (comprehensible input)A2
6

Slow English Reading - Learn English with Children’s Books (comprehensible input)

Education
✨ Recommend Video
10 MIN Daily Pronunciation Practice for English Learners [Challenge mode🔥]B1
36
196 sentences

10 MIN Daily Pronunciation Practice for English Learners [Challenge mode🔥]

General
15 Better Ways to Say "I Don't Know" in English (Sound Fluent & Confident!)B1
1
346 sentences

15 Better Ways to Say "I Don't Know" in English (Sound Fluent & Confident!)

General
Slow English: Agriculture Vocabulary - English Listening PracticeB1
1
117 sentences

Slow English: Agriculture Vocabulary - English Listening Practice

General
Why is English Pronunciation So CONFUSING? | Silent LettersB1
1
167 sentences

Why is English Pronunciation So CONFUSING? | Silent Letters

General
English SPEAKING Practice Repeat-After-Me + ShadowingB1
1
111 sentences

English SPEAKING Practice Repeat-After-Me + Shadowing

General
Speak Fluent English like SnapeB1
139 sentences

Speak Fluent English like Snape

General
30-Day Speaking Challenge Shadowing Practice | Day 2: 99 Sentences to Talk About Your DayB1
1
429 sentences

30-Day Speaking Challenge Shadowing Practice | Day 2: 99 Sentences to Talk About Your Day

General
Pronunciation Training: 3 Ways to speak English MUCH more clearly!B1
220 sentences

Pronunciation Training: 3 Ways to speak English MUCH more clearly!

General
Pronunciation in Use Advanced, Unit 51, How embarrassingB2
1
112 sentences

Pronunciation in Use Advanced, Unit 51, How embarrassing

General
English Words You’re Probably Mispronouncing ❌Difficult English Pronunciation | Rachel’s EnglishB1
313 sentences

English Words You’re Probably Mispronouncing ❌Difficult English Pronunciation | Rachel’s English

General
The Easy Way to Remember Every English WordB1
2
178 sentences

The Easy Way to Remember Every English Word

General

Why This Video Is a Game-Changer for Improving English Pronunciation

This video stands out as exceptional material for english speaking practice because it zeroes in on the subtle differences between "textbook" pronunciation and how native speakers actually talk. By focusing on reduced sounds—those tricky moments where syllables get shortened or blended—it addresses a common barrier to sounding natural. For learners prepping for IELTS speaking practice or everyday conversations, mastering these reductions is key to being understood and fitting in linguistically.

Breaking Down the Secrets of Natural Speech

Let’s unpack a few examples to see why they work. Take "comfortable": the video first says "com-f-ter-ble" slowly, then the natural version: "comfortable." Native speakers skip the middle "or" sound, turning it into a quick "f-t" blend. This reduction prevents the word from sounding stilted. Another example is "vegetable": instead of pronouncing every syllable, it becomes "vegj-tuh-buhl," with the "e" in the middle softening to a schwa sound. Even "literally" gets a makeover—native speakers often say "lit-ruh-lee" instead of over-enunciating each syllable. These small changes are what make speech flow like a native’s.

A Simple Practice Routine to Master the Shadowing Technique

To make the most of this video, try a shadow speak routine: play a short clip (2-3 seconds), pause, and repeat it immediately, mimicking the rhythm, stress, and reduced sounds. Record yourself, then compare it to the video. Notice if you’re over-pronouncing syllables—like in "uncomfortable" or "legitimately"—and adjust to match the natural flow. Do this daily for 10-15 minutes, focusing on 3-5 words per session. Over time, the shadowing technique will train your mouth to form these sounds automatically, making your pronunciation sound less forced and more authentic. Whether you’re prepping for an exam or just want to chat confidently, this routine bridges the gap between "learning" and "using" English.

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 →