Download all Shadowing files here: Download Shadowing Materials

Translation:

Learning English can feel like a long journey, but it’s one of the most useful skills you can have. Whether you’re applying for a job, traveling, or just watching movies without subtitles, speaking English can open up a lot of opportunities. In Vietnam, it’s common to start learning English in school, but for many people, classroom lessons focus more on grammar and reading than speaking and listening. That’s why even after years of studying, a lot of learners still feel shy or nervous when it comes to having a conversation in English. But here’s the thing—mistakes are a normal part of learning. Nobody speaks perfectly all the time, not even native speakers. One of the best ways to improve your speaking is to practice out loud. Reading in your head helps with comprehension, but speaking helps you build confidence and train your mouth to get used to the sounds of English. Even if you’re alone, try speaking to yourself. For example, you can describe what you’re doing: “I’m making coffee” or “I’m about to head to work.” Small habits like this can make a big difference over time. Shadowing is also a great technique. When you listen to a native speaker and repeat what they say right after them, you’re not just practicing vocabulary—you’re also training your ears and improving your pronunciation. It helps you pick up things like linking words and natural intonation, which can make your speech sound more fluent. If you’re planning to travel or live abroad, being able to speak and understand English can really make your life easier. At the airport, you’ll see signs and announcements in English. If you get lost in another country, asking for directions is much easier when you can speak a bit of English. And when you meet people from different places, English is often the language that brings everyone together. Of course, improving your English takes time, and some days will feel harder than others. Maybe you’ll forget a word in the middle of a conversation or mix up your tenses. That’s okay—it happens to everyone. The key is to stay consistent. Try to practice a little bit every day, even if it’s just five or ten minutes. Watch a short video, listen to a podcast, or read a news article in English. It’s also helpful to find things you enjoy in English. If you like cooking, try watching cooking videos in English. If you enjoy sports, follow sports channels. Learning feels easier when you’re having fun and learning about something you already like. Another tip is to find someone to practice with, whether it’s a friend, a teacher, or even a language exchange partner online. Speaking with someone else helps you get used to real conversations where you have to think on the spot. It’s not always easy, but it’s the best way to build confidence. And remember—it’s not about being perfect. Nobody expects you to sound exactly like a native speaker. The goal is to communicate clearly and feel confident using the language. Over time, your pronunciation and fluency will improve naturally if you stay patient and keep practicing. So, whether you’re learning for work, travel, or just for yourself, keep going. Every time you practice, you’re getting a little better. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the person giving advice to someone who’s just starting their English-learning journey. Alright, that’s it for this shadowing video. Keep practicing with these videos as much as you need, the more you practice the better you get. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!