Shadowing Practice: Shadowing English with TED Talk | Improve Your Speaking - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Reviewer Gopjei Reviewer So I'd like to share my top five tips So I'd like to share my top five tips So I'd like to share my top five tips for how to be confident even if you're not.
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Reviewer Gopjei Reviewer So I'd like to share my top five tips So I'd like to share my top five tips So I'd like to share my top five tips for how to be confident even if you're not.
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for how to be confident even if you're not.
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For how to be confident even if you're not.
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So let's break it down.
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So let's break it down.
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So let's break it down.
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What was the difference between those two captains?
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What was the difference between those two captains?
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What was the difference between those two captains?
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What did you see?
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What did you hear?
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And not just, you know?
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What did you see?
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What did you hear?
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And not just, you know What did you see?
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What did you hear?
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And not just, you know One seemed nervous one seemed confident, one seemed nervous, one seemed confident, one seemed nervous, one seemed confident, but what was I doing differently to make you think that?
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different volume, different words, different volume, different words, different volume, different words, certainly different body language, but the truth is, Certainly different body language, but the truth is...
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Certainly different body language, but the truth is...
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I wasn't actually feeling particularly memriment.
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I wasn't actually feeling particularly confident.
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I wasn't actually feeling particularly confident.
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I was just making certain physical and vocal choices to make you think that.
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I was just making certain physical and vocal choices to make you think that.
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I was just making certain physical and vocal choices to make you think that.
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You can do that too.
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Anyone can do this.
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You can do that too.
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Anyone can do this.
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You can do that too.
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Anyone can do this.
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So what are those confident-looking choices?
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So what are those confident-looking choices?
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So what are those confident-looking choices?
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Number one, turn up the energy and speak up.
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Number one, turn up the energy and speak up.
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Number one, turn up the energy and speak up.
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When you speak up, even just a little bit.
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When you speak up, even just a little bit.
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When you speak up even just a little bit, it reads as confident.
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And you don't have to shout, it reads as confident.
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And you don't have to shout, it reads as confident.
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And you don't have to shout, think about it this way.
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On a scale of 1 to 10, think about it this way.
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On a scale of 1 to 10, think about it this way.
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On a scale of 1 to 10, aim for a 5.
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Yes, it goes to 11.
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Aim for a five.
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Yes, it goes to 11.
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Aim for a five.
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Yes, it goes to 11.
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So I'd like to share my top five tips for how to be confident, even if you're not.
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So let's break it down.
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What was the difference between those two captains?
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What did you see?
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What did you hear?
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And not just one seemed nervous, one seemed confident, but what was I doing differently to make you think that?
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Different volume, different words, certainly different body language, but the truth is, I wasn't actually feeling particularly confident.
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I was just making certain physical and vocal choices to make you think that.
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You can do that too.
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Anyone can do this.
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So what are those confident looking choices?
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Number one, turn up the energy and speak up.
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When you speak up, even just a little bit, it reads as confident.
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And you don't have to shout.
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Think about it this way.
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On a scale of one to ten, aim for a five.
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Yes, it goes to eleven.

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Why practice speaking with this video?

The shadowing technique demonstrated in this TED Talk video offers a powerful method for enhancing your English speaking skills. By listening to a confident speaker and mimicking their speech in real-time, you engage in a dynamic learning process that allows you to learn English with YouTube. This practice not only improves your ability to reproduce sounds and intonation but also builds your confidence. When you apply the shadow speak method, you'll find it easier to express your thoughts clearly and assertively, which is essential for effective communication in any language.

Grammar & Expressions in Context

The speaker in this video utilizes several key structures that are beneficial for learners. Here are some examples to note:

  • Imperatives: The speaker gives clear instructions, such as "turn up the energy" and "speak up." Using imperatives can be very effective in making your point clear when communicating.
  • Comparative Structures: The phrases "one seemed nervous, one seemed confident" illustrate comparative analysis. This structure helps articulate differences concisely, making your arguments stronger.
  • On a scale of 1 to 10: This phrase is useful for evaluating and expressing opinions quantitatively, which can enhance both speaking and writing skills in English.
  • Direct Address: Using phrases like "think about it this way" engages the listener directly and encourages active participation in the conversation.

Mastering these expressions will contribute to your overall ability to articulate thoughts confidently in English.

Common Pronunciation Traps

When engaging in shadow speech with this video, you may encounter several pronunciation challenges:

  • Energy: Pay attention to the articulation of this word; it's easy to slip into softer sounds, which can affect clarity.
  • Volume: While the speaker suggests aiming for a medium volume, remember to practice emphasizing consonants to avoid mumbling.
  • Confident vs. Nervous: The contrast in tone between these two words demonstrates the importance of vocal quality. It’s vital to differentiate your tone to convey the intended emotions.

By focusing on these tricky words and practicing them aloud, you will improve your English pronunciation and make your spoken English sound more natural and engaging.

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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