Shadowing Practice: The power of believing that you can improve - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Leonardo Silva Reviewer The power of yet.
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I heard about a high school in Chicago where students had to pass a certain number of courses to graduate, and if they didn't pass a course,
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they got the grade not yet.
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And I thought that was fantastic because if you get a failing grade, you think I'm nothing, I'm nowhere.
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But if you get the grade not yet, you understand that you're on a learning curve.
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It gives you a path into the future.
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not yet also gave me insight into a critical event early in my career, a real turning point.
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I wanted to see how children coped with challenge and difficulty.
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So I gave 10-year-olds problems that were slightly too hard for them.
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Some of them reacted in a shockingly positive way.
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They said things like, I love a challenge, or, you know, I was hoping this would be informative.
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They understood that their abilities could be developed.
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They had what I call a growth mindset.
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But other students felt it was tragic, catastrophic.
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From their more fixed mindset perspective,
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their intelligence had been up for judgment, and they failed.
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Instead of luxuriating in the power of yet, they were gripped in the tyranny of now.
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So what do they do next?
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I'll tell you what they do next.
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In one study, they told us they would probably cheat the next time instead of studying more if they failed a test.
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In another study, after a failure, they looked for someone who did worse than they did,
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so they could feel really good about themselves.
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And in study after study, they have run from difficulty.
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Scientists measured the electrical activity from the brain as students confronted an error.
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On the left, you see the fixed mindset students.
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There's hardly any activity.
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They run from the error.
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They don't engage with it.
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But on the right, you have the students with the growth mindset, the idea that abilities can be developed.
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They engage deeply.
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Their brain is on fire with yet.
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They engage deeply.
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They process the error.
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They learn from it, and they correct it.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will explore the concept of a growth mindset and its significance in learning and facing challenges. The transcript draws from a compelling discussion on how one's belief in their ability to improve can transform their learning experience. Practicing with this content will help you enhance your English speaking practice by engaging with meaningful ideas and expressions. As you listen and repeat, you’ll incorporate essential phrases that can aid in developing your confidence and fluency in English.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Growth mindset - the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
  • Tyranny of now - the overwhelming pressure to succeed immediately rather than valuing the learning process.
  • Learning curve - the rate at which a person learns a new skill or subject.
  • Challenge - a task or situation that tests a person's abilities.
  • Not yet - a phrase used to indicate that improvement is still possible.
  • Failure - the lack of success, but also an opportunity for learning.
  • Engage - to participate or become involved in something.
  • Process the error - to analyze and learn from mistakes rather than avoiding them.

Practice Tips

To effectively improve your English pronunciation and speaking skills, consider using shadowspeak techniques while watching this video. Here are some tailored tips:

  • Shadowing: Repeat phrases immediately after they are spoken in the video. Focus on mimicking the tone, speed, and intonation. This helps you internalize the rhythm of English speech.
  • Slow it down: If the video plays too quickly, adjust the playback speed. Slower speeds can help you catch nuances in pronunciation, making it easier to replicate them.
  • Pause and repeat: Don't hesitate to stop the video at crucial moments to practice specific phrases or vocabulary. This will reinforce your learning and aid in retaining new words.
  • Emphasis on learning: While practicing, remind yourself that the goal is improvement, not perfection. Embrace the concept of “not yet” as you work through challenging phrases.
  • Engagement: Interact with the content by reflecting on personal experiences related to challenges. Speaking about your journey can enhance your ability to express ideas fluently.

By regularly engaging with lessons like this and using the shadow speak method, you will bolster your confidence and fluency in English over time. Remember, the power of believing that you can improve is the first step toward success!

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.