Shadowing Practice: rory's graduation speech - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Not crying, right?
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57 sentences
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Not crying, right?
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Not crying.
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Keeping our cool so we don't miss anything.
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Tears get in your eyes, then you miss things.
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So we're not crying.
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Not crying.
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Not crying.
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Not crying.
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Not crying.
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What?
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No crying.
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I'm not crying.
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Headmaster Charleston, faculty members, fellow students, family, and friends, welcome.
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We never thought this day would come.
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We prayed for its quick delivery,
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crossed days off our calendars,
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counted hours, minutes, and seconds,
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and now that it's here,
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I'm sorry it is because it means leaving friends who inspire me and teachers who have been my mentors,
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so many people who have shaped my life and my fellow students' lives impermeably and forever.
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I live in two worlds.
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One is a world of books.
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I've been a resident of Faulkner's Yucna-Potapha County,
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hunted the white whale aboard the Pequod,
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fought alongside Napoleon, sailed a raft with Huck and Jim,
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committed absurdities with Ignatius J.
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Reilly, rode a sad train with Anna Karenina,
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and strolled down Swan's Way.
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It's a rewarding world, but my second one is by far superior.
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My second one is populated with characters slightly less eccentric but supremely real,
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made of flesh and bone,
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full of love, who are my ultimate inspiration for everything.
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Richard and Emily Gilmore are kind, decent, unfailingly generous people.
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They are my twin pillars without whom I could not stand.
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I am proud to be their grandchild.
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But my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend,
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the dazzling woman from whom I received my name and my life's blood, Lorelei Gilmore.
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I'll hang in there.
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My mother never gave me any idea
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that I couldn't do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be.
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She filled our house with love and fun and books and music,
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unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith.
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As she guided me through these incredible 18 years,
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I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her.
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I'm not crying.
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Crying a little.
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Crying a little but not blubbering.
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That's what we meant when we said no crying.
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No blubbering.
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Thank you, Mom.
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You are my guidepost for everything.
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I'm on the verge of blubbering here.
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Not doing too well myself.
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Not you, too.
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I'm blubbering.
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You're freaks.
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As we prepare ourselves today,

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Context & Background

The graduation speech delivered by Rory Gilmore offers a heartfelt reflection on her journey through education and personal growth. In a blend of humor and emotion, Rory thanks her family, friends, and teachers who have significantly impacted her life. This speech highlights the importance of mentors, family support, and the inspiration derived from literature. Rory’s references to various literary works and characters underscore her love for reading and the role it has played in shaping her identity and aspirations. This context makes her speech not just a graduation address but also a narrative about growth, gratitude, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “Not crying, right?” - A humorous way to address emotional situations.
  • “Welcome.” - A simple yet essential greeting for any occasion.
  • “I live in two worlds.” - A metaphorical expression to convey duality in life, such as imagination vs. reality.
  • “Filled our house with love and fun.” - A warm way to describe a nurturing environment.
  • “I’m not crying. Crying a little.” - A relatable acknowledgment of emotions, balancing authenticity with humor.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively use shadow speech from Rory’s graduation speech, follow these steps to improve English pronunciation and practice speaking fluently:

  1. Listen Actively: First, watch the video carefully, focusing on Rory’s tone, pace, and intonation. This initial listening will help you grasp the speech's rhythm.
  2. Segment the Speech: Break down the speech into manageable sections. Start with smaller phrases like “Not crying, right?” before moving on to longer sentences.
  3. Repeat After Rory: Use the shadowing technique by repeating each segment immediately after Rory speaks. Pay close attention to pronunciation and emotion.
  4. Record Yourself: After practicing, record your attempts. Listening to your recordings allows you to identify areas for improvement, especially in intonation and fluidity.
  5. Discuss with Others: Engage with fellow English learners in discussions about the speech’s themes. This practice not only boosts your vocabulary for IELTS speaking practice but also provides context for the phrases you’ve learned.

Through this structured approach, you will enhance your speaking skills while appreciating the content and emotional depth of Rory’s poignant words. Shadowing this graduation speech will offer valuable insights into both everyday communication and the expressive use of language.

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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