Shadowing Practice: Real English Conversations at Work & Home | Intermediate Listening Practice (B1) - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
392 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Hey everyone!
2
Welcome back to Miss English Channel.
3
I'm Emily.
4
And I'm Paul.
5
It's really good to have you here today.
6
Today we're diving into something a lot of you have been asking for – real, intermediate -level English conversations.
7
Yes, conversations that sound natural, conversations you might actually have in real life.
8
If you're around B1 level, maybe touching B2, this episode is for you.
9
We're going to look at how people really talk, at work, with new colleagues, with people they just met.
10
And we'll focus on what makes those conversations flow, not perfect grammar, not fancy words.
11
Just clear English, friendly English, English that helps you connect with people.
12
We'll share real -life examples and common situations—things you might face at the office, while traveling, or when making new friends.
13
And as you listen, don't worry about catching every single word.
14
Just relax.
15
Let the language come to you.
16
Also, quick reminder before we start, making mistakes is normal.
17
Very normal.
18
And honestly, mistakes usually mean you're learning.
19
So don't try to be perfect.
20
Just try to communicate.
21
Try to enjoy the conversation.
22
All right.
23
Are you ready to take your English conversations one step further?
24
Let's get into it.
25
So our first conversation today happens at work.
26
Two coworkers meeting for the first time at a new job.
27
We have Sarah.
28
She's been working at a marketing company for about six months. And David.
29
He just started this week.
30
New job, new place, new people.
31
This situation is very common.
32
You're the new person.
33
You want to fit in.
34
But you don't want to feel awkward.
35
They're having lunch together in the office cafeteria.
36
Sarah is being friendly.
37
She's showing David around and helping him feel comfortable.
38
What I really like about this conversation is how natural it feels.
39
They talk about work, but they also talk about life, backgrounds, interests, small details.
40
This is what good workplace English sounds like, professional but still warm.
41
Listen to how they use small talk to build a connection.
42
They ask follow -up questions.
43
They show real interest.
44
That's what keeps a conversation moving.
45
All right, let's listen in.
46
Hi, you must be David the new guy on the creative team.
47
I'm Sarah from Marketing.
48
Mind if I sit here?
49
Sarah Oh, hey Sarah.
50
Yeah, that's me.
51
Of course, go ahead.
52
I was actually hoping to meet people from other departments.
53
Jeff Nice.
54
So how's your first week going so far?
55
I remember feeling completely lost when I started here.
56
Sarah Honestly, it's been a bit overwhelming, but also exciting.
57
Everyone seems really nice, and the office feels much more relaxed than my last job.
58
That's good to hear.
59
Where were you working before?
60
I was at a small advertising agency downtown.
61
The work was interesting, but it was very stressful.
62
Long hours, tough clients, you know how it goes.
63
Yeah, I totally get that.
64
I came from a similar place.
65
That's one reason I really like it here.
66
They care about work -life balance.
67
I noticed that during the interview.
68
By the way, how did you end up in marketing?
69
Did you always plan to work in this field?
70
Not really.
71
I studied journalism in college, but after graduating I couldn't find many good opportunities,
72
so I tried marketing, and it turns out I enjoy it a lot.
73
That's interesting.
74
I studied graphic design, so this role feels natural to me, but I've always been curious about the marketing side.
75
You'll get a good look at it.
76
Our teams work together quite often.
77
Actually, we're starting a new campaign next month for a tech startup.
78
We'll need creative support.
79
That sounds great.
80
I'd love to be involved.
81
What kind of startup is it?
82
They build apps for small businesses, things like inventory tools and customer service systems.
83
Not very flashy, but interesting.
84
Exactly.
85
The challenge is making something simple feel appealing.
86
I like that kind of challenge.
87
Sometimes the simplest products need the most creative ideas.
88
You're going to fit in well here.
89
So what do you like to do outside of work?
90
Any hobbies?
91
I'm really into hiking and rock climbing.
92
There's some great trails about an hour north of the city.
93
What about you?
94
I'm more of an indoor person, to be honest.
95
I love reading, and I'm taking a cooking class on weekends.
96
Nice.
97
What are you learning to cook?
98
Pasta, mostly.
99
I always wanted to make it from scratch.
100
That's impressive.
101
I'm terrible in the kitchen.
102
I survive on takeout and frozen food.
103
Well, once I get better, maybe I can teach you one or two simple dishes.
104
I'd definitely take you up on that.
105
And thanks for being so welcoming.
106
Starting a new job can be stressful. Of course.
107
We've all been there.
108
Actually, a few of us go for drinks after work on Fridays.
109
Nothing fancy.
110
You should join us this week.
111
That sounds great.
112
I'd love to meet more people in a relaxed setting.
113
Perfect.
114
I'll send you the details later.
115
And if you need help with anything, just ask.
116
Even finding good coffee nearby.
117
Thanks.
118
I really appreciate that.
119
I already feel much better about being here.
120
That conversation felt very real.
121
Yes.
122
And there's a lot we can learn from it.
123
One thing that stands out is how Sarah started the conversation.
124
Sarah used what we call a soft opener.
125
You must be David.
126
Friendly.
127
Natural.
128
And David didn't just answer yes or no. He added extra information.
129
That's an important intermediate skill.
130
Expanding your answers.
131
They also shared similar experiences.
132
Feeling lost at a new job.
133
Stress from past work.
134
That builds trust quickly.
135
It makes the other person feel understood.
136
And notice how they made future plans.
137
Friday drinks, cooking together.
138
That's how a simple conversation turns into a real connection.
139
In the next part, we'll look at a very different conversation.
140
A family conversation.
141
Deeper, more emotional.
142
But just as useful for your English.
143
The next conversation takes us to a very different setting.
144
Yes.
145
This one happens at home, between a parent and a child.
146
It's a conversation many people can relate to, talking about the future, about uncertainty.
147
Jake has finished high school.
148
He's working at a bookstore, but he's unsure about college.
149
And his mom wants to understand him, not push him.
150
Listen to how calm the tone is, how respectful the language feels.
151
This is a great example of intermediate English used for serious, emotional topics.
152
Let's listen.
153
Jake, can we talk for a minute?
154
I've been thinking about your situation lately.
155
Sure, Mom.
156
Is this about college again?
157
I told you I'm still figuring things out.
158
Partly, yes.
159
But I'm not here to pressure you.
160
I just want to understand what's on your mind.
161
I appreciate that.
162
Honestly, I'm still not sure which direction to take.
163
It's been almost a year since you graduated.
164
That's a lot to carry.
165
I know.
166
The bookstore job has been good, but I don't see it as a long -term plan.
167
I'm glad you're being realistic.
168
What makes this decision so difficult for you?
169
I think it's because everyone else seems so certain.
170
My friends chose majors right away.
171
They look confident.
172
And you don't feel that same certainty.
173
Exactly.
174
When I think about studying something for four years, I want to be sure it's right.
175
That actually sounds very thoughtful to me.
176
Really?
177
Sometimes it feels like I'm just stuck.
178
Taking time doesn't mean you're stuck, but I do worry that waiting too long could make it harder to return to studying.
179
I've thought about that, too.
180
Maybe community college could be a good start.
181
How so?
182
I could take general courses, see what I enjoy, without committing to a full program right away.
183
That's not a bad idea at all.
184
It's more flexible and usually less expensive.
185
Exactly.
186
And I could keep working at the bookstore during the day.
187
How do you feel about the job itself?
188
Are you learning anything useful?
189
Actually, yes.
190
I've learned a lot about customer service and inventory systems.
191
That's great experience.
192
Being around books all day also got me interested in reading again.
193
You always loved reading when you were younger.
194
I did.
195
Lately, I've been thinking about literature, or maybe writing, journalism even.
196
Those are interesting paths.
197
What worries you about them?
198
I want to make sure I can support myself.
199
I don't want to struggle financially.
200
That's a very smart concern, and I'm glad you're thinking about it.
201
But sometimes it feels like passion and stability don't go together.
202
They can.
203
And remember, your first job doesn't have to be your final one.
204
True.
205
What was it like for you at my age?
206
Honestly, I didn't know either.
207
Really?
208
I started college wanting to be a teacher.
209
It wasn't until my second year that I took a biology class.
210
And that changed everything?
211
It did.
212
I fell in love with it.
213
That's when I switched to nursing.
214
I never knew that.
215
Life rarely follows a straight line, and that's okay.
216
So changing direction isn't a failure?
217
Not at all.
218
What matters is moving forward and staying open.
219
That makes me feel a lot better.
220
I've been worried I'm falling behind.
221
You're 20.
222
Very few people have it all figured out at that age.
223
It just looks that way online.
224
Exactly.
225
Appearances can be misleading.
226
So what do you really think about community college?
227
I think it's a strong first step.
228
We should look into programs together.
229
Maybe I could start in the spring.
230
That gives me time to save money.
231
That sounds reasonable.
232
Thanks for being so understanding.
233
This hasn't been easy for me. Of course.
234
I want you to be happy and capable, not rushed.
235
I promise I won't let fear stop me from trying.
236
That's all I ask.
237
Maybe once I take some classes, things will feel clearer.
238
I'm confident they will.
239
You really believe that?
240
I do.
241
I trust your ability to figure things out.
242
Thanks, Mom.
243
That means a lot.
244
Let's sit down this weekend and look at some college websites together.
245
I'd like that.
246
I'm actually starting to feel excited instead of anxious.
247
That's a good sign.
248
This conversation feels very different from the first one we heard.
249
Yes, but the skills are similar.
250
Listening, validating, asking thoughtful questions.
251
Notice how Emma never rushed Jake.
252
She acknowledged his feelings first.
253
She also shared her own story.
254
That made her advice feel real.
255
This kind of storytelling is powerful at intermediate level.
256
And they made concrete plans.
257
Looking at websites together, choosing a semester.
258
That turns a heavy conversation into action.
259
In the final part, we'll connect both conversations.
260
Workplace talk and family talk.
261
Different situations.
262
Same core skills.
263
And we'll leave you with a simple challenge you can try this week.
264
When you put these two conversations side by side, something interesting appears.
265
They look very different on the surface.
266
One is at work, one is at home.
267
But underneath, the communication skills are almost the same.
268
Both conversations are built on connection, not perfection.
269
Let's start with the workplace example again.
270
Sarah didn't try to impress David with big words.
271
She focused on making him feel comfortable, seen, welcome.
272
She asked open questions.
273
How's your first week going?
274
Where did you work before?
275
And when David answered, she didn't rush to the next topic.
276
She reacted, she related, she shared her own experience.
277
That back and forth is what makes intermediate English sound natural.
278
It's not about long speeches, it's about small bridges between people.
279
David did something important too.
280
He expanded his answers.
281
He didn't stop at one sentence.
282
When he said his last job was stressful, he added details.
283
Long hours, tough clients, simple phrases, but very real.
284
That gives the other person something to respond to.
285
And it invites empathy.
286
Now look at the family conversation.
287
The topic is heavier, the emotions are deeper.
288
But the language is still clear and direct.
289
Emma didn't lecture Jake.
290
She didn't say, you must do this.
291
She said, I want to understand what you're thinking.
292
That single sentence changed the whole tone.
293
It created a safe space.
294
Jake felt free to say, I don't know yet.
295
And instead of criticizing, Emma reframed his uncertainty.
296
She called it thoughtful, mature, responsible.
297
That's a powerful skill in English.
298
Taking a concern and turning it into a strength.
299
You can use this in many situations.
300
At work, with family, even with friends.
301
Another thing both conversations did well is pacing.
302
Nobody rushed, nobody interrupted.
303
There were natural pauses, short responses, gentle questions.
304
This slower rhythm is very helpful for intermediate speakers.
305
It gives you time to think, to choose words, to breathe.
306
You don't need to sound fast to sound fluent.
307
Often, sounding calm is more powerful.
308
Let's talk about the language itself for a moment.
309
Both conversations used everyday vocabulary.
310
But they also included a few useful intermediate expressions.
311
Things like, to be honest, actually, I've been thinking about.
312
Or, that sounds reasonable, I totally get that.
313
These phrases act like glue.
314
They hold the conversation together.
315
You don't need to use all of them at once.
316
Just one or two can make your English feel smoother.
317
Here's a small microaction you can try.
318
The next time someone asks you a question, don't stop at the basic answer.
319
Add one extra sentence.
320
For example, not just, it's good.
321
But, it's good, and I'm enjoying the team so far.
322
That small addition keeps the conversation alive.
323
Another microaction is sharing a short personal detail.
324
Like Emma did with her college story.
325
You don't need a long story, just a real one.
326
Something that shows you've been there, too.
327
Both conversations also ended with something important.
328
A future step.
329
Friday drinks, cooking together, looking at college websites.
330
This turns talk into connection.
331
And connection is the real goal of language.
332
Not sounding perfect, not using complex grammar.
333
Just being understood and understanding others.
334
So if you take one thing from today, let it be this.
335
Intermediate English is not a wall, it's a bridge.
336
A bridge between knowing the language and living in it.
337
This week, try having one meaningful conversation in English.
338
Ask a follow -up question, share a short story, make a simple plan.
339
Notice how the other person responds.
340
And notice how you feel after.
341
Chances are you'll feel more confident than before.
342
And that confidence grows one conversation at a time.
343
As we come to the end of today's episode, let's slow down for a moment.
344
And take a breath.
345
We've listened to two very different conversations.
346
One between co -workers, one between a parent and a child.
347
But both showed us the same truth about English at this level.
348
Good English is not about sounding smart.
349
It's about being human.
350
About listening, responding, and staying present.
351
In the workplace conversation, Sarah and David didn't rush.
352
They didn't try to impress each other.
353
They used simple words, short sentences, honest reactions.
354
And because of that, the conversation felt easy.
355
In the family conversation, Emma didn't push for answers.
356
She created space.
357
She showed trust.
358
That allowed Jake to open up, to think out loud.
359
This is an important reminder for English learners.
360
You don't need perfect sentences to have meaningful conversations.
361
You need intention, curiosity, and a bit of courage.
362
A lot of learners wait.
363
They wait until their English feels ready.
364
But readiness doesn't come first.
365
Action does.
366
Every conversation is practice.
367
Every small moment is progress.
368
And mistakes are part of that progress.
369
Think about the people in today's conversations.
370
They weren't using perfect grammar.
371
They weren't choosing difficult words.
372
They were simply communicating clearly and kindly.
373
That's real English.
374
And that's the kind of English you can start using today.
375
So, here's a gentle challenge for you.
376
This week, have one real conversation in English.
377
It doesn't need to be long.
378
Just meaningful.
379
Ask one follow -up question.
380
Share one personal detail.
381
And if it feels uncomfortable at first, that's okay.
382
Growth usually feels like that.
383
If you enjoyed this episode and want more conversations like this, more real English, more calm guidance,
384
more confidence building, make sure you subscribe to Miss English Channel.
385
We share new episodes regularly to help you listen better and speak more naturally.
386
And if today's episode helped you, feel free to share it with someone who's learning English too.
387
Learning is easier when you don't do it alone.
388
Thank you for spending this time with us.
389
Keep listening, keep speaking, keep going.
390
I'm Emily.
391
And I'm Paul.
392
And remember, you're doing better than you think.
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
Same Channel
A22
Talking About Daily Routine in English | Beginner English Listening Podcast
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B12
How to Tell the Time in English | AM, PM, O’Clock Explained | Easy English Conversation (A1–B1)
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
A22
Talking About Common Health Problems in English (Cold, Fever, Headache) | Podcast English
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A25
Talking About Your Favorite Food in English | Easy English Conversation Practice
KidsTravel EnglishTeens
A2Talking About Weather in English ☀️🌧 Everyday English Podcast for Beginners
KidsTeensDaily Conversation
FOR YOU
Recommend Video
B16
385 sentences
Real Life English Conversations to Sound More Natural | Podcast to Learn English!
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B1225 sentences
30-Days Slow English — Day 26: English Conversation at Work ☕
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
![[B1] How to Talk About your Work | English Listening & Speaking Practice](https://img.youtube.com/vi/akGBBzXmE8w/mqdefault.jpg)
B117
79 sentences
[B1] How to Talk About your Work | English Listening & Speaking Practice
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B15
146 sentences
Successful English Small Talk at Work | English Conversation Practice
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B1398 sentences
Real-Life English Conversations | B1 English Listening Practice | EP54 #luyennghetienganh
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B12
216 sentences
第一次和新同事吃飯，我才發現自己完全聽不懂他們｜Real Life Office English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B12
186 sentences
日常英語練習｜三個月提升英語聽力｜聽懂母語者真實聊天｜中英對照｜English Conversation Podcast
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B182
15 sentences
English Conversation at Work | Office English for Daily Use | Speak English at the Workplace
Business EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B11
444 sentences
Daily Life English Conversation at Work | Business English Speaking & Listening Practice | Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationWorking Adults
B127
467 sentences
Episode 1: Learn Real English Speaking! Phrases & Situations for Intermediate Learners
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
A2324 sentences
English in Daily Life - How to Speak English on Your First Day at Work | English Conversation
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
B17
72 sentences
How Small Talk Can Improve Your English Speaking | Mr English Podcast Ep. 45
Daily ConversationWorking Adults
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This speaking lesson is built on the video “Real English Conversations at Work & Home”. This video has 392 sentences and 2784 words to shadow. The speech runs for 20:50. The speaker talks at a steady 134 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| intermediate adjective | /ɪn.tə(ɹ)ˈmi.di.ət/ | Being between two extremes, or in the middle of a range. |
| rush verb | /ɹʌʃ/ | To hurry; to perform a task with great haste, often not properly or without thinking carefully. |
| workplace noun | /ˈwɝkˌpleɪs/ | The place where someone works. |
| topic noun | /ˈtɑpɪk/ | A subject; a theme; a category or general area of interest. |
| relax verb | /ɹɪˈlæks/ | To make something loose. |
| grammar noun | /ˈɡɹæm.ə(ɹ)/ | A system of rules and principles for the structure of a language, or of languages in general. |
| meaningful adjective | /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.fl̩/ | Having meaning, significant. |
| stressful adjective | /ˈstɹɛsfəl/ | Irritating; causing stress. |
| thoughtful adjective | /ˈθɔːtfəl/ | Demonstrating thought or careful consideration. |
| tone noun | /ˈtəʊn/ | A specific pitch. |
| skill noun | /skɪl/ | A capacity to do something well; a technique, an ability, usually acquired or learned, as opposed to abilities that are regarded as innate. |
| lately adverb | /ˈleɪt.li/ | Recently; not long ago; of late; not long since. |
| connect verb | /kəˈnɛkt/ | To join (to another object): to attach, or to be intended to attach or capable of attaching, to another object. |
| expand verb | /ɪkˈspænd/ | To change (something) from a smaller form or size to a larger one; to spread out or lay open. |
| fancy noun | /ˈfæn.si/ | The imagination. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| follow up verb | To take further actions remaining after an event; to continue, revisit, or persist; especially, to maintain communication or verify. | |
| fall behind verb | To be late (for a regular event) | |
| go ahead verb | /ˌɡoʊ əˈhɛd/ | To proceed with; to begin. |
| go together verb | To be in a relationship. | |
| move forward verb | To cause to make progress. | |
| sit down verb | To assume a sitting position from a standing position. | |
| stand out verb | To jut out, protrude (from a surface etc.). | |
| think out verb | To devise or solve by a process of thought. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Mind if I sit here?
- Where were you working before?
- Did you always plan to work in this field?
- What are you learning to cook?
- How's your first week going?
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — an action that started earlier and is still going on | have been asking · She's been working · I've been thinking |
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | it's been · I've always been · has finished |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | be involved · are built · being understood |
| Past continuous was/were + -ing — an action in progress at a moment in the past | was actually hoping · were you working · weren't using |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 91 contractions and reduced forms, such as I'm, don't, didn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: thoughtful /ˈθɔːtfəl/, smooth /smuːð/, breathe /bɹiːð/, underneath /ˌʌndɚˈniθ/, rhythm /ˈɹɪð.əm/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: rush /ɹʌʃ/, passion /ˈpæʃən/, intention /ɪnˈtɛnʃn̩/, dish /dɪʃ/, emotion /ɪˈməʊ.ʃən/
- Long words — get the stress right: intermediate /ɪn.tə(ɹ)ˈmi.di.ət/, communicate /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/, uncertainty /ʌnˈsɜːtənti/, naturally /ˈnæt͡ʃ.(ə.)ɹə.li/, stability /stəˈbɪlɪti/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like intermediate, rush, workplace.
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.