Shadowing Practice: This Simple Habit Will Make You Fluent in English (backed by science) - Learn English Speaking with YouTube
B2
Shadowing Controls
0% completed (0/97 sentences)
There is one simple habit that my entire language learning is built around.
⏸ Paused
Speed:
Repeat Count:
Wait Mode:
Sub Sync:0ms
All Sentences
97 sentences
1
There is one simple habit that my entire language learning is built around.
2
It's so simple that once you understand it, you'll realize that you can build your whole study routine on this one thing.
3
It's backed by science, it only takes 30 minutes a day, and I've been using it for years because it simply works.
4
And I'm not exaggerating when I say that even after your first study session, you'll see the difference.
5
You'll remember at least one expression, and you'll feel confident enough to use it in your next conversation.
6
So in this video, I'm going to walk you through exactly how to use this habit step by step.
7
Alright, so I call it the learn and use habit, and it's built on comprehensible input and active recall.
8
I talk about the comprehensible input theory a lot on my YouTube channel, because this is what I use in my language learning.
9
If you're new here and if you don't know what it is, Basically, it's when you read or listen to content that you can mostly understand.
10
It's comprehensible for you.
11
You can understand it, but you're still learning something new.
12
Like there are still some words that you don't know, but obviously they don't make up the majority.
13
And so with this habit, we use comprehensible input and we combine it with active learning.
14
And personally, I find active learning really useful when it comes to internalizing new vocabulary.
15
Basically, this habit bridges the gap between input and output.
16
And this helps you understand the language and also use it naturally.
17
Okay, so now let's actually talk about this habit.
18
Let's break it down and start with the first step.
19
Step one, choose your input.
20
You're going to start by choosing something that you really like.
21
like a YouTube video by a creator that you admire, or maybe a chapter from the book you're currently reading or an article.
22
The key here is interest and comprehensibility.
23
The material should be just slightly challenging.
24
It shouldn't be so hard that you can't even follow the main ideas.
25
No, that means it's way too hard and you have to choose something easier.
26
Obviously, I'm gonna give you guys an example and I'm gonna use a short form summary of Atomic Habits by James Clear.
27
I have been using short form for a very long time and I'm really happy that today they're sponsoring this video.
28
Short form doesn't just summarize books, they also analyze them.
29
They have one-page summaries, chapter breakdowns, and even exercises after each section to help you apply what you read.
30
The summaries and audio versions make it super easy to revisit what you've just learned on a walk, at the gym, or maybe while doing your morning routine.
31
And what makes it even better is that Shoreform goes beyond book guides.
32
They also offer master guides that compile ideas from multiple books on one topic, article guides, and podcast guides so you can learn from new ideas beyond just books.
33
And their browser extension can summarize anything on the internet, articles, emails, and even YouTube videos.
34
It's perfect for books like The Gifts of Imperfection, Atomic Habits, The mountain is you because you get to go deeper into the key ideas about self-love, perfectionism, and habit building.
35
So if you want to give it a try too, I have a very special offer for my audience.
36
You can get a free trial plus three months of the annual plan if you sign up using the link in my description.
37
So step number two is going to be collect vocabulary.
38
While watching the video or reading the chapter, you're going to write down all the new expressions.
39
The words you don't know, the grammar patterns that look unfamiliar.
40
And obviously, if you're following the comprehensible input method, you're not gonna have a list of like 50 new words, 50 new expressions.
41
You're probably gonna have like a few new words, which is absolutely great.
42
Here, the simplicity is key.
43
We don't need a super long list of random words.
44
After collecting all of these words, you can talk to AI.
45
You can ask AI to explain what all of these expressions mean.
46
Ask it to give you example sentences.
47
Make it help you understand subtle nuances of how all of these words are used.
48
This makes your vocabulary list richer and more context aware.
49
Instead of staring at a bunch of words that you have to memorize, you're actually having a conversation with AI.
50
It's no longer a random collection of words it's already more connected to you i want to show you
51
guys how i would personally do it so let's choose the expression prevailing wisdom and have a
52
conversation with chadgpt hi so i'm trying to learn this new word in english this new expression
53
prevailing wisdom can you explain what it means can you give me example sentences of how a native speaker would use
54
it and also help me understand like the nuances of this expression where i can use it should i even learn it is
55
it a useful expression it's actually a pretty handy phrase to know it basically means the generally accepted belief or the common view on a particular topic
56
you can do the same thing and have a conversation with chat gpt or just you know type in your questions and
57
then see the responses okay so now let's talk about the final step step number three reflect and reuse so you have your ai explanations all of the examples you understand what all of of these expressions mean.
58
Now it's time to reflect, it's time to actually practice active recall.
59
And what it means is you're trying to use these words in your text or in your speech.
60
And we're going to make it super low pressure by journaling or again having a conversation with your AI.
61
The idea behind it is that I really want you to move from just understanding all of these words to actually using them yourself.
62
In psychology, there is this super interesting theory called the generation effect.
63
Simply put, what it means is that you remember information when you create it yourself, instead of just reading it, looking at it, or repeating it.
64
In other words, when your brain has to generate something, this expression becomes active, instead of just staying passive in your memory.
65
And this act of retrieving and creating something makes you memorize all of this information way faster.
66
So let's say you sit down to practice journaling.
67
You're going to try to use this new word, this new expression while journaling about something.
68
And this way, you're gonna be practicing active recall.
69
You're gonna be thinking, okay, I have to use this word.
70
I have to use this expression.
71
How can I use it?
72
Like, does it feel natural when I personally use it?
73
But let's say you decide to talk to ChatGPT and use the new expression you're trying to memorize.
74
So can you ask me a question where I could practice active recall and I am going to use this phrase myself?
75
Can you tell me about a piece of prevailing wisdom in the self-improvement world that you personally disagree with?
76
The prevailing wisdom that I used to believe in in the productivity world is that if I don't have any hobbies,
77
if my only hobby is my work, that somehow makes me cool and that somehow automatically makes me successful.
78
But right now I understand that, you know, taking breaks, resting, doing something else is actually really important.
79
I really hope you can see how just now I actually made myself use this expression.
80
Obviously, AI gave me a lot of amazing examples, but I really wanted to practice active recall.
81
I really wanted AI to ask me questions to make me use this expression myself.
82
And it's so easy to do right now.
83
You can journal and respond to a few questions or if you want to, you can also practice speaking.
84
So I've been using this three-step habit very consistently and I think it does work because it makes you focus on absorbing the language first and then producing it second.
85
So you're always going through this loop.
86
You find something that you really like that's comprehensible enough for you, you're observing the language, and then you're practicing active recall.
87
You're trying to understand like the nuances of all of these expressions, how you can personally use it while journaling or while speaking to people.
88
And to be honest, every time I sit down to practice my languages, that is what I do.
89
Like I don't really add more things.
90
Sometimes if I feel like I have more time or if I want to do something else, obviously that's completely normal but most of the time that's what I do.
91
I read something, I listen to something, I watch something and then I talk to AI or I journal and I use all of these new expressions.
92
So guys, I really hope you enjoyed today's video.
93
If you did, don't forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
94
The habit that I shared with you today has been really helpful when it comes to memorizing new vocabulary, like working with my memory, not against it.
95
And if you want to go deeper and see what vocabulary method I really like using, I highly recommend watching this video right here.
96
Here I talk about memorization, Anki, and all of the tools that work really great for me.
97
So if you want to learn more, just click right here and I'll see you there.
4.9/5 on App Store & Google Play
Shadowing English
On Mobile
Learn English anytime, anywhere with the Shadowing English app. Improve your communication skills today!
Track your learning progress
AI grading and error correction
Rich video library
Context & Background
In the journey of learning English, creating effective habits is vital. This video emphasizes a simple yet powerful habit centered around the idea of learn and use. It focuses on principles backed by science, which advocate for incorporating comprehensible input and active recall into your daily routine. By engaging with material that is both understandable and slightly challenging, learners can enhance their language skills. The speaker encourages utilizing a variety of engaging content to build a strong foundation for conversational fluency.
Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication
- “Can you explain that?” - A great way to seek clarification and practice your questioning skills.
- “I’m not sure what you mean by…” - Helps in breaking down complex sentences and negotiating meaning.
- “That’s interesting! Can you tell me more?” - Encourages further discussion and allows you to practice active listening.
- “I’ve never thought about it that way.” - A useful phrase to express new insights and keeps the conversation flowing.
- “How do you say this in English?” - Encourages you to actively seek new vocabulary while engaging with others.
Step-by-step Shadowing Guide
If you're looking to enhance your English skills through shadow speaking, here’s a structured approach you can follow:
- Choose Your Input: Start by selecting video content that resonates with you, such as a favorite YouTube channel or a podcast episode. Ensure that the material is comprehensible and serves as a good challenge—this is essential for effective english speaking practice.
- Collect Vocabulary: As you watch or listen, jot down unfamiliar words, expressions, and grammar structures. Aim for quality over quantity; you'll only need a few new words that genuinely pique your interest.
- Engage with AI: Use artificial intelligence tools to delve deeper into your vocabulary list. AI can help explain meanings, provide context, and offer example sentences, enhancing your understanding and shadow speech practice.
- Practice Shadowing: After studying your material, play the video back and repeat after the speaker. Focus on mirroring their pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. This technique will fine-tune your speaking ability.
- Use What You've Learned: Try to integrate the new vocabulary and phrases into your daily conversations. This not only reinforces your learning but also builds your confidence in using English spontaneously.
By following these steps, you can effectively leverage the learn and use habit and significantly improve your fluency. Whether you're improving through videos or other resources, remember that regular english speaking practice will yield the best results in your journey to learn English with YouTube.
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.
☕ Buy us a coffee
ShadowingEnglish remains 100% free thanks to your support. Server and AI costs are high — your coffee keeps us going! 🙏