How to LEVEL UP your English with TED | this habit transformed my accent

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces the language learning technique of 'shadowing' to improve English pronunciation and fluency. They share their personal journey of overcoming initial difficulties with the method and explain how it can help in speaking English without focusing on grammar or pronunciation. The speaker demonstrates shadowing with a TED Talk by Olympic champion Allison Felix, discussing fears and mindset. The video encourages viewers to practice shadowing with various English media to enhance language skills and knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😲 The speaker expresses surprise at the disbelief of foreign friends when they learn he is Russian and has never been abroad.
• 🗣️ The speaker introduces the language learning technique called 'shadowing', which they have mentioned in previous videos.
• 🎯 The speaker shares their initial fear and failure with shadowing, but emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
• 💡 Shadowing can improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and allow speaking English without focusing on grammar or pronunciation.
• 🌐 The speaker recommends using YouTube as a resource for shadowing practice due to its variety of speakers and topics.
• 🎥 The speaker selects a video featuring Olympic champion Allison Felix discussing fears and mindset for shadowing practice.
• 🔁 The process involves listening to a short segment of the video, then repeating it using the shadowing technique.
• 🎧 Recording one's voice while shadowing can help track progress and identify pronunciation mistakes.
• 📚 The speaker suggests practicing shadowing multiple times a week and also trying it with movies, series, or songs.
• 🔗 The speaker provides a link to the video used for shadowing in the video description and invites viewers to follow them on social media for more learning resources.

Q & A

What is the technique discussed in the video script for improving English language skills?

The technique discussed in the video script is called 'shadowing,' which involves listening to a speaker and then repeating what they say to improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency in English.

Why do some people find it hard to believe that the speaker is Russian?

People find it hard to believe that the speaker is Russian because they assume that someone with such good English skills must have lived abroad or be from an English-speaking country.

What was the speaker's initial reaction when they tried shadowing for the first time?

The speaker was initially scared and disappointed when they tried shadowing for the first time because they couldn't get any words and couldn't believe in themselves.

How does the shadowing technique help in learning English according to the speaker?

The shadowing technique helps in learning English by allowing the learner to speak without thinking about pronunciation, grammar, or making mistakes, thus improving fluency and natural speech.

What platform does the speaker recommend for practicing the shadowing technique?

The speaker recommends using YouTube for practicing the shadowing technique because it has a variety of speakers with different accents and topics.

What is the first step the speaker suggests after picking a video for shadowing?

The first step after picking a video for shadowing is to listen to the speaker for about two to three minutes or even just one minute to get accustomed to the speech, voice, and speed.

Why does the speaker choose a video about Olympian Allison Felix for the shadowing practice?

The speaker chooses a video about Olympian Allison Felix because it discusses fears and mindset, and how to overcome fears during Olympic Games, which the speaker finds interesting and engaging for practice.

How does the speaker suggest practicing the shadowing technique after getting accustomed to the speech?

The speaker suggests returning to the beginning of the video and start watching it again while practicing shadowing, repeating what the speaker says as closely as possible.

What additional tip does the speaker give for tracking progress while shadowing?

The speaker suggests recording one's own voice while shadowing to track progress, identify mistakes, and repeat the process until improvements are made.

Can the shadowing technique be applied to other forms of media besides YouTube videos?

Yes, the shadowing technique can also be applied to movies, series, or songs, as it is the same principle of mimicking and repeating what is heard.

How often does the speaker practice the shadowing technique?

The speaker practices the shadowing technique two or even three times a week because they find it amazing and helpful for their language learning.