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The shadowing technique

By Will SalisburyUpdated

The shadowing technique means listening to a recording and repeating it aloud a moment after the speaker, copying the sounds, rhythm and melody. It trains your ear and mouth together, so it helps with pronunciation, fluency and listening. Use short, clear recordings and always check the words first.

1 · Read the problems2 · One lesson a day3 · Review your mistakes4 · Go round again

1 · Pronunciation

Hear it, see it, say it

IELTS tip. In the Speaking test, the way you say a whole sentence matters as well as single words. Shadow a model answer to a Part 2 question, copy its stress and pauses, and then say your own answer in the same smooth way. Use shadowing for practice only. In the real test, speak naturally in your own words.

I'd like to know more, What do you do?, It depends on the weather, I come from a small town

Quick answers

How long should I shadow each day?

Ten to fifteen minutes is enough for one short clip. It is better to practise a little each day than for a long time once a week.

Should I shadow with the transcript or without it?

Begin with the transcript so you can check every word. After a few rounds, shadow without it to train your ear and your memory.

Can shadowing improve my IELTS Listening?

It can help you notice linking and weak forms, which are part of natural speech in the Listening test. It works best together with normal listening practice.

Is shadowing the same as repeating after the speaker?

Not exactly. In repeating, you wait for a pause. In shadowing you speak almost at the same time, a word or two behind, which trains rhythm and attention.

Read the full lesson: The shadowing technique