Shadowing Practice: Stop introducing yourself like this. - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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When we talk about identity, how do we describe what that involves?
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When we talk about identity, how do we describe what that involves?
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Is it our personality is it our values is it what we enjoy doing if it's not what we spent
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time doing what we do, what is it really?
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It's going to look and sound different from one person to another.
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But for example, we can start by eliminating things.
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What not to say?
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Not to say I'm a lawyer.
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Let's avoid identifying ourselves with what we do for a job or for income.
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How about you say, hi, my name is Rahaf.
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And last week, I spent like three hours working on a passion project.
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Do you mind me sharing that with you?
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Passion project?
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What's that?
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And it opens up a conversation.
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So I would lead the conversation with either a feeling I'm going through.
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It could be gratitude.
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And here's why I'm feeling grateful.
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Or I'm feeling blessed.
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And here's why.
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Here's why I'm feeling happy.
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I'm feeling neutral and people would be like, okay, we've never heard that before or instead of feeling something that is occupying my time and energy.
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So it could be a hobby and interest a conversation a topic I'm learning about a book I'm reading something embarrassing happened.
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So always I would go the other way around.
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Or as simple as my favorite color is.
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And here's why.
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Instead of just saying yes, I'm the founder of this
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and this is what we do it you're not really selling any value
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or you're not meant to be taken seriously just because of the career or the title that you're.
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doing.
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Let people know you.
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Let people see you.
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And that's so scary because if I allow you to see me for who I am, there's also the fear of rejection.
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The fear of what if she thought I was weird and she doesn't want to be my friend anymore?
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What if she thought I'm not really serious enough in what I do
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and I stopped getting clients and So the what -if train just gets longer and longer and you choose to be
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Like everyone else.
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Hi, my name is Rahaf.
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I'm the founder of So it takes one person to inspire a different action and then I think people would follow.

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Who Can Benefit from This Video?

This video is a goldmine for intermediate to advanced English learners aiming to refine their conversational skills, especially for IELTS speaking practice or real-world interactions. If you’re tired of generic self-introductions and want to sound authentic while building meaningful connections, these tips will transform how you present yourself. It’s also perfect for those using learn English with YouTube strategies, as it focuses on practical, natural language use.

Words & Idioms Worth Stealing

The video is packed with standout phrases that add depth to your speech. Here are key terms to master:

  • Passion project: A personal project you work on for enjoyment, not money. Example: “I’ve been working on a passion project about urban gardening.”
  • What -if train: Overthinking potential negative outcomes. Example: “I stopped the what -if train and just introduced myself honestly.”
  • Occupy my time and energy: To take up your focus. Example: “Lately, learning guitar has been occupying my time and energy.”

These phrases make your speech more relatable and memorable, a must for IELTS speaking practice where fluency and creativity are scored.

How to Get the Accent Right

To mimic the speaker’s natural tone, focus on two pronunciation tips: First, stress the key words in emotional statements, like “grateful” or “blessed,” to convey sincerity. Second, practice the rhythm of conversational pauses—when the speaker says, “Hi, my name is Rahaf. And last week, I spent like three hours…” the pause after “Rahaf” creates a friendly, unrushed vibe. For shadow speech practice, replay short clips and repeat them immediately, matching the speed and intonation. Use a shadowing site to record yourself and compare—this technique, called shadowspeak, is proven to boost accent accuracy. Remember, the goal is to sound like you, not a robot, so embrace natural pauses and emotional emphasis.

By ditching generic job titles and leading with personal stories or feelings, you’ll not only improve your English but also build deeper connections. Start small—try a “passion project” introduction today, and watch how others engage with you differently.

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.