Shadowing Practice: Unit 4 How did those get in there - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Unit 4.
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How did those get in there?
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A young actress is about to go onto the stage.
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As she waits by the side of the stage, she looks nervous.
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You might hear her whisper to her friend, I've got butterflies in my stomach.
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Butterflies in her stomach?
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How did those get in there?
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The feeling of butterflies comes from chemicals produced by the body in stressful situations.
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One chemical that the body makes under stress is cortisol.
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This chemical benefits the body in normal situations.
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In fact, it helps the body start normal activities in the morning after waking up.
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It also plays a role in helping the body and mind respond well to healthy exercise.
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However, when the body is under stress, extra cortisol begins to affect the stomach.
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For some people, cortisol shuts down the stomach, producing the funny feeling of butterflies.
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For others, cortisol speeds up the way the stomach works, which makes these people feel sick.
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All you need to do to get rid of a few butterflies in the stomach is just relax.
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Laughing with or talking to others about your stress can help reduce it.
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Stepping out onto the stage will also help those butterflies fly away.
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Listening Another reason for butterflies.
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Listen to the dialogue and choose the best answer.
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I heard that a different chemical than cortisol causes butterflies in the stomach.
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What chemical did you hear causes them?
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I read somewhere that the same chemical that makes you feel stronger when you're excited causes butterflies.
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Is the process related to that other chemical very different from cortisol shutting down the stomach?
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Not really.
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The chemical I heard about causes more blood to go to your muscles instead of to your stomach.
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It's the reduced amount of blood going to the stomach that makes the stomach shut down.
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Well, I guess the result is the same in the end.
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The butterflies come from something shutting down the stomach.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will explore the concept of feeling nervous, exemplified by the phrase "butterflies in my stomach." This expression often describes the fluttering sensation many people feel in stressful situations, such as public speaking or performing. Through engaging dialogue, you will learn about the physiological effects of stress on the body, particularly how cortisol affects the stomach and feelings of anxiety. Additionally, you will practice key vocabulary and phrases related to this phenomenon, aiding in your overall understanding and usage of English in emotional contexts.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • Butterflies in my stomach: A common idiom used to express the feeling of nervousness.
  • Cortisol: A hormone released in response to stress that affects bodily functions.
  • Shut down: To cease normal function or activity; often used to describe an organ or system in the body.
  • Feel sick: A phrase meaning to experience nausea or discomfort, often related to stress.
  • Relax: To ease tension or anxiety, which can help alleviate nervous feelings.
  • Laughing: An action that can reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Stepping out: Physically moving into a space, often associated with taking action or facing a challenge.
  • Dialogue: A conversation between two or more people, providing opportunities for practicing speaking skills.

Practice Tips

To effectively use shadowing techniques while watching this lesson, focus on the speed and tone of the spoken dialogue. Shadowspeaks is a recommended method for improved English pronunciation. Begin by listening carefully to the original dialogue, noting the inflections and emotional tones used when discussing feelings of anxiety and stress. Practice the following tips:

  • Listen to segments of the video and repeat them aloud, mimicking the speaker's tone and rhythm. This will help improve your speaking fluency and accuracy.
  • Focus on the phrases related to emotions, such as "butterflies in my stomach." Pay attention to how these expressions are used in context, as they can enhance your vocabulary for IELTS speaking practice.
  • Use shadow speech techniques by rehearsing lines after the speaker, creating a natural flow in your speech and helping you become more comfortable in expressing feelings in English.
  • Incorporate laughter or light-hearted moments from the video into your practice. Try sharing your own experiences of nervousness with friends or tutors, as discussing stress can help release tension while making your practice more engaging.

Consistent practice with these techniques on a dedicated shadowing site will enhance your speaking skills, allowing you to feel more confident when encountering stressful situations like public speaking.

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.