WHAT IS SHADOWING?
In simple words, shadowing means listening to a native speaker and repeating what they say at the same time — like a shadow following its source. You can shadow using a video, podcast, or audio recording. While it may sound easy at first, it’s more challenging than it seems — but also incredibly rewarding! Just like your shadow follows your every move, in this technique you are following the speaker as closely and quickly as possible, matching their rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation.
In simple words, shadowing means listening to a native speaker and repeating what they say at the same time — like a shadow following its source. You can shadow using a video, podcast, or audio recording. While it may sound easy at first, it’s more challenging than it seems — but also incredibly rewarding! Just like your shadow follows your every move, in this technique you are following the speaker as closely and quickly as possible, matching their rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation.
💡 Tip: Choose something short and interesting, especially if you’re just starting out.
STEP 2: Prepare Before You Shadow
This is where many learners make the biggest mistake — they start shadowing immediately. But don’t rush! Before you begin, follow this process:
🔹Read the text or transcript first.
🔹Highlight or check any unfamiliar words.
🔹Listen to the audio multiple times (3–5 times is a good start).
🔹Then, repeat each sentence with a pause after hearing it — this is known as delayed repetition and is a helpful bridge to full shadowing.
This is where many learners make the biggest mistake — they start shadowing immediately. But don’t rush! Before you begin, follow this process:
🔹Read the text or transcript first.
🔹Highlight or check any unfamiliar words.
🔹Listen to the audio multiple times (3–5 times is a good start).
🔹Then, repeat each sentence with a pause after hearing it — this is known as delayed repetition and is a helpful bridge to full shadowing.
STEP 3: Start Shadowing
Once you feel confident with the text and have understood it, you’re ready! Now play the audio again and try to speak at the same time as the speaker — simultaneously.
Your goal is to match the native speaker’s:
🔸Pronunciation
🔸Intonation
🔸Rhythm
🔸Speed (as close as possible)
It may be difficult at first, but keep going — it’s absolutely worth it.
Once you feel confident with the text and have understood it, you’re ready! Now play the audio again and try to speak at the same time as the speaker — simultaneously.
Your goal is to match the native speaker’s:
🔸Pronunciation
🔸Intonation
🔸Rhythm
🔸Speed (as close as possible)
It may be difficult at first, but keep going — it’s absolutely worth it.
🎧 Pro tip: Use earphones and record yourself while shadowing. This way, you can compare and spot areas to improve!
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY SHADOWING
💬Boosts pronunciation and accent
👂Trains your listening and rhythm
🗣 Improves speaking speed and flow
🗒️Expands your vocabulary in context
💪Builds confidence to speak like a native
💬Boosts pronunciation and accent
👂Trains your listening and rhythm
🗣 Improves speaking speed and flow
🗒️Expands your vocabulary in context
💪Builds confidence to speak like a native
LanguageEasy Newsletter
Subscribe to LanguageEasy Newsletter to receive updates, language learning tips and more!
(❗sometimes e-mails may come to your spam box - be attentive and get a newsletter out of it 😉)
(❗sometimes e-mails may come to your spam box - be attentive and get a newsletter out of it 😉)