Shadowing Practice: Top five moments from CNBC's interview with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman - Learn English Speaking with Video

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People are really saying, you know, the future of my company, the future of my scientific research program, it is going to depend on this.
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Can you promise me compute long into the future?
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The coding models have so transformed how companies are doing their work
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and the efficiency and the speed of which they're able to build products.
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The coding models got really good late last year, early this year, and then another step forward in recent months.
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So I think you're right that that's the single biggest driver.
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But we are now seeing scientists really use these models and a much broader application of knowledge work beyond coding.
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The companies that I know that have adopted AI the most are also the ones hiring the most.
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And the companies, as a general rule, that are talking about doing layoffs because of AI are the ones adopting AI the least.
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But it's a convenient way to explain it.
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I think I underestimated how jagged these models are going to be.
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They do some things incredibly well, but they don't do kind of the long-term complex task supervision well at all.
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And so watching people who are really good at using these models, they can do an amazing amount of work,
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create way more economic value than people without models could or certainly the models could on their own.
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But I think people are right to be anxious and I understand it.
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This is not even a technological shift that happens every generation.
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This is one of the big ones.
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If not one of the biggest.
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And so it would be imprudent not to have some real caution around.
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I think there is a race to deliver the best technology and build the best business,
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but Going public is a financing event and I don't think that's one that we're focused on the timing of.
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We'll do it when we think it makes sense.
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But you will do it as well, I would assume.
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I assume we'll do it someday.
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So I think this is the most fair criticism right now of AI, which is you hear companies saying, I am spending a ton of money on AI.
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And I know some great stuff is happening, but I know there's a ton of waste.
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And how long do I have to wait for it to really show up in revenue
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and how long do I have to wait to really get the costs under control?
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I assume that the industry will figure that out pretty quickly, but I think that is a fair issue.
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You do.
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Yeah.
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Quickly being?
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I would bet that by another year
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or two from now there is a much better rationalization of companies' spend relative to outcomes.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice your English listening and speaking skills by analyzing a segment from CNBC's interview with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This engaging conversation focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on businesses and the workforce. As you listen, you will improve your understanding of complex ideas related to technology, economy, and workforce dynamics. By the end of this lesson, you will also enhance your ability to discuss innovative topics in English, making it a valuable part of your journey to learn English with YouTube.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Compute - The process of using a computer to perform calculations or manage data.
  • Coding models - Advanced systems that help developers write code more efficiently.
  • Knowledge work - Jobs that involve handling and processing information.
  • Long-term complex tasks - Projects that require sustained effort and consideration over an extended period.
  • Anxious - Feeling nervous or worried about something.
  • Economic value - The worth of goods or services in terms of monetary or resource benefits.
  • Rationalization - The process of justifying an action, particularly in terms of costs versus outcomes.

Practice Tips

To make the most out of this session, consider using the shadowing technique. This approach involves listening to the transcript audio while simultaneously repeating what you hear. Given the conversational and insightful nature of Altman's dialogue, pay attention to his tone, pacing, and emphasis. Here are some specific suggestions:

  • Start by listening to a short segment of the interview. Pause after each sentence or phrase, and repeat it aloud to practice your English speaking practice.
  • Focus on the emotional context of Altman's speech. Notice how he expresses concern and optimism. This will help improve your pronunciation and emotional delivery.
  • Since the discussion addresses complex topics, don't hesitate to listen multiple times. Repetition will solidify your understanding and enable you to tackle advanced vocabulary with greater confidence.
  • Record yourself while shadowing. This will give you insight into your pronunciation and rhythm, enabling you to identify areas for improvement.
  • Engage with others in discussions about the themes presented. This will create opportunities for further English speaking practice and deepen your understanding.

Utilizing this lesson, along with websites dedicated to the shadowing technique, you can dramatically improve English pronunciation and enhance your overall communication skills.

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.