Shadowing Practice: Striking up a conversation - Learn English Speaking with Video

Creating lesson...
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Hi, Jen.
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What's up?
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I haven't seen you for ages.
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Nicole!
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Fancy running into you here.
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Do you have time for a cup of coffee?
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Sure.
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We really need to catch up.
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Do you work around here?
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At the dress shop across the street.
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I'm a sales assistant for the time being, but I'm hoping they'll promote me to buy her after I have some experience on the floor.
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Oh, I love that shop.
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Their clothes are so trendy and different from the run-of-the-mill.
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You look fantastic.
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I'll bet their sales have gone up since you started working there.
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Well, I try.
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The thing is, I enjoy the work because I love the clothes.
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And I like helping people find what works for them.
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It's actually quite fulfilling.
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Good for you.
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And I think the idea of becoming a buyer is great.
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Before you know it, you'll be working on your own designs.
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I remember how you used to dream of being a fashion designer.
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Yeah, and I think this is a step in the right direction.
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Now, what are you up to?
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The last I heard, you were about to move across country.
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I hope you're back to stay.
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As a matter of fact, I just got back a couple of months ago.
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I'm glad I went, because now I know I really want to be here.
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I'm working as a waitress right now, but am hoping to get a teaching job.
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I've applied to most of the local school districts, so have my fingers crossed I'll get something this fall.
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What do you want to teach?
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I've heard there are openings for high school teachers in Howard County.
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No way!
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I haven't even applied there.
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I'll do it as soon as I get home.
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Man, that'll be awesome if they need a biology teacher.
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Thanks for the tip.
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Which reminds me, waiting tables isn't all bad.
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On weekends, I get pretty good tips.
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And banking on the info you just gave me, I think I'll follow you back to work and splurge on a new dress.
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Great.
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I already have in mind some things for you to try on.
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Wow, I love this one.
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I guess I'm getting ahead of myself, but I have a feeling this is just what I need for the interview with the principal.
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And for the first day of school.
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Thanks so much for your help.
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Now I'm really pumped.
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I'm so happy I ran into you today.
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Me too.
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Let's make sure we get together more often.
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Yeah, I promise I'll keep in touch.
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Take care and let me know what happens.
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Bye for now.
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Bye and thanks again.

About This Lesson

You're practicing English with "Striking up a conversation" using the Shadowing technique — a method originally developed for professional interpreter training.

Focus on sounding like the speaker — not just repeating words. With 15–30 minutes of daily practice, you'll build real-world speaking confidence.

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 →