Shadowing Practice: Tyrion & Varys Discuss Power [HD] - Learn English Speaking with Video
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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This B2 speaking lesson is built on the video “Tyrion & Varys Discuss Power”. This video has 30 sentences and 223 words to shadow. The speech runs for 1:40. The speaker talks at a steady 134 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. Only 75% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English, so the vocabulary is demanding. 9 of its 30 sentences are questions, so it is good practice for question intonation and short answers.
Key vocabulary in this video
The 15 most advanced words in the video, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| shadow noun | /ˈʃædəʊ̯/ | A dark image projected onto a surface where light (or other radiation) is blocked by the shade of an object. |
| reside verb | /ɹɪˈzaɪd/ | To dwell permanently or for a considerable time; to have a settled abode for a time; to remain for a long time. |
| trick noun | /ˈtɹɪk/ | Something designed to fool, dupe, outsmart, mislead or swindle. |
| reputation noun | /ˌɹɛpjʊˈteɪʃən/ | What somebody or something is known for. |
| curious adjective | /ˈkjʊɹ.i.əs/ | Tending to ask questions, or to want to explore or investigate; inquisitive; (with a negative connotation) nosy, prying. |
| bid verb | /bɪd/ | To make an offer to pay or accept a certain price. |
| sword noun | /soɹd/ | A long bladed weapon with a grip and typically a pommel and crossguard (together forming a hilt), which is designed to cut, stab, slash and/or hack. |
| pretend verb | /pɹəˈtɛnd/ | To speak or behave so as to give a false or simulated appearance. |
| priest noun | /ˈpɹiːst/ | A religious clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) who is trained to perform services or sacrifices at a church or temple. |
| grave noun | /ɡɹeɪv/ | An excavation in the earth as a place of burial. |
| mutual adjective | /ˈmjuːt͡ʃuəl/ | Having the same relationship, each to each other. |
| depend verb | /dɪˈpɛnd/ | To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition |
| poorly adverb | /ˈpʊɹ.li/ | In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort. |
| fond adjective | /fɑnd/ | Having a liking or affection (for). |
| riddle noun | /ˈɹɪdəl/ | A verbal puzzle, mystery, or other problem of an intellectual nature. |
Sentences worth repeating
Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:
- Are you fond of riddles?
- Am I about to hear one?
- I've decided I don't like riddles.
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 4 contractions and reduced forms, such as don't, I've, you'll. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: shadow /ˈʃædəʊ̯/, reputation /ˌɹɛpjʊˈteɪʃən/, executioner /ˌɛksəˈkjuʃənɚ/
- Long words — get the stress right: reputation /ˌɹɛpjʊˈteɪʃən/, executioner /ˌɛksəˈkjuʃənɚ/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like shadow, reside, trick.
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.