Quick answer
Shadowing means speaking just behind a recording while you listen. Start with a 5–10 second sentence you already understand, listen for word groups and stressed words, repeat along with the audio, record one attempt and compare a single thing (a missed word, a pause or the stress), then turn off the subtitles and change the sentence to talk about yourself. If keeping up is hard, use listen–pause–repeat first or slow the audio down.
Start with meaning and a short sentence
Shadowing means speaking just behind a recording while listening. Begin with a sentence of roughly five to ten seconds that you already understand. If keeping up is too difficult, first use listen–pause–repeat instead. You do not need to copy every voice or practise at full speed immediately.
Notice groups of words
In the practice sentence ‘I'm going to grab a coffee before work’, listen for groups such as ‘grab a coffee’ and ‘before work’. Mark pauses and the words that carry the message. Read once with the subtitles, then repeat while listening. This is an invented practice example; use a sentence from your chosen free lesson for the actual recording comparison.
Compare one thing at a time
Record one attempt using the lesson's recording control and compare it with the same original sentence. Choose a single target: an omitted word, an unexpected pause or the stressed word. Repeat two or three times with that target. If the original feels rushed, reduce playback speed for practice and return to the original speed when comfortable. Self-comparison is not an automated pronunciation score.
Finish with your own sentence
Turn off the subtitles and explain the meaning, then change the example to ‘I'm going to grab some lunch after class.’ If you can shadow the audio but cannot use the phrase alone, return to meaning and recall practice. Keep a short note about one improvement and one point to revisit. A few focused repetitions are more useful as a routine than endless playback without a clear target.
FAQ
What is shadowing in English?
Repeating a recording almost at the same time as you hear it, copying its words, rhythm, stress and pauses. It trains listening and speaking together.
Is shadowing good for beginners?
Yes, with short sentences you already understand. Beginners can start with listen–pause–repeat and slower playback, then move towards speaking along with the original.
How long should I practise shadowing each day?
A few focused repetitions with one clear target per sentence are more useful than long, unfocused playback. Ten to fifteen minutes on a handful of sentences is a practical routine.
Does TalkMorrow score my pronunciation?
No. You record yourself and play it right after the original sentence to compare by ear. It is self-comparison, not an automated pronunciation score.