Shadowing Practice: Selena Gomez: Believe in Yourself | Motivational Speech with English Subtitles - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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When people look at me, they see what they want to see.
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24 sentences
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When people look at me, they see what they want to see.
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And that comes with a lot of expectations.
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I know what it's like to be judged and to be put down.
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I know what it's like to have other people form opinions of you without even knowing you.
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Trying to dim your light.
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I want to say you are not defined by an Instagram photo, by a like, by a comment.
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That does not define you.
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I want you guys to know that the trick is to focus on the love.
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And what I want you guys to do, every rude comment you get, every person that tries to hurt you personally or through the internet,
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I want you to forgive them.
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Just forgive them, because they don't even know.
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They have no idea.
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There is so much love in this world and in this stadium.
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Do not limit yourself because of what others expect.
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We all deserve more than we think and in the end, nobody remembers those, those haters, the comments, nobody remembers them, they're just background noise.
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When it's over, nothing defines you but what you leave behind and what lives you touch on the way.
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But I'm so grateful for what I have and I am ready for what comes next in my life.
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And if you take just one thing from today, let it be this.
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I want you guys to believe in yourselves because I believe in you
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and you guys need to believe in each other
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So just do you be true to yourself
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and love yourself have confidence in yourself and everything will be fine I am
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so excited for what's gonna come next for you guys.
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Thank you so much

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Context & Background

In the motivational speech by Selena Gomez, she shares her personal experiences of judgment and the pressure of societal expectations. Her message resonates with many, particularly those who struggle with self-identity and the impact of social media on self-esteem. Selena emphasizes the importance of self-worth, encouraging listeners to focus on love rather than negativity. This speech not only inspires but also offers valuable phrases and insights that can enhance your English learning journey.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • "You are not defined by an Instagram photo." - This phrase can be a reminder of the importance of self-identity beyond social media.
  • "Focus on the love." - A motivational mantra that encourages positive thinking and resilience.
  • "Forgive them, because they have no idea." - This phrase highlights the importance of letting go of negativity and gaining perspective.
  • "Do not limit yourself because of what others expect." - A powerful statement on self-empowerment that can inspire personal growth.
  • "Believe in yourselves." - A direct appeal to self-belief, essential for confidence in language learning.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To improve your English pronunciation and speaking skills using Selena Gomez's motivational speech, follow this shadowing technique:

  1. Listen Actively: Start by watching the video a couple of times without any distractions. Focus on the message and the emotions conveyed in Selena's voice.
  2. Transcription: Write down the key phrases from the speech that resonate with you. This exercise reinforces comprehension and aids memory.
  3. First Shadowing: Play the video again, but this time, use a shadowing app to practice mimicking Selena's speech. Try to match her intonation and pace, even if you don’t understand every word yet.
  4. Break it Down: Divide the speech into smaller sections. Repeat each segment several times. This allows you to focus on improving English pronunciation at a more manageable pace.
  5. Record and Compare: Record yourself while shadowing the speech. Listen to your recording and compare it with Selena's. Identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.
  6. Practice Regularly: Make this shadowing technique a daily practice. Consistency is key in language acquisition, and the repetition will solidify your speaking skills.

By integrating these phrases and applying the shadowing technique regularly, you will cultivate better speaking abilities and confidence in your English language journey. Remember, each practice session enriches both your language skills and personal confidence as you embrace the message of self-belief. Embrace the shadows, and watch your speaking skills illuminate!

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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