How to improve your speaking skills by yourself? The shadow boxing technique! (Subtitles)

Zoe.languages2 minutes read

Zoe, a multilingual PhD student, shares methods like shadow boxing to improve speaking skills in English, French, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and German, focusing on pronunciation over accent and persistence in language learning. She stresses the importance of regular practice with native speakers, immersive environments, and engaging content like TED Talks and audiobooks to enhance language skills.

Insights

  • Zoe, a multilingual PhD student, advocates for "shadow boxing" as a key method to improve speaking skills by repeating words and conversations as if interacting with a real person, emphasizing correct pronunciation over accent variations.
  • Zoe stresses the value of persistence, routine, and engaging with diverse resources like TED Talks and audiobooks to enhance speaking skills, underlining the importance of choosing motivating topics and creating immersive language learning environments.

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Recent questions

  • How can I improve my speaking skills in multiple languages?

    By engaging with native speakers, watching series, and creating immersive environments.

  • What is the key method for enhancing speaking skills in different languages?

    "Shadow boxing," which involves repeating words, phrases, and conversations.

  • How important is pronunciation in language learning?

    Pronunciation is crucial for effective communication.

  • What resources can I use to practice speaking skills in different languages?

    TED Talks, celebrity interviews, and audiobooks on topics of personal interest.

  • How can persistence and routine contribute to language learning success?

    Persistence and routine are key factors in achieving language learning goals.

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Summary

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Mastering Speaking Skills in Multiple Languages

  • Zoe, a language enthusiast who speaks seven languages, is a PhD student in sociology and teaches at a university in France.
  • She shares methods to improve speaking skills, including talking to native speakers, watching series, and creating immersive environments.
  • Zoe demonstrates exercises for English, French, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and German to enhance speaking skills.
  • The key method she uses is "shadow boxing," which involves repeating words, phrases, and conversations as if engaging with a real person.
  • Pronunciation is crucial, focusing on correct pronunciation from the start and practicing difficult syllables regularly.
  • Zoe emphasizes the importance of pronunciation over accent, as accent varies regionally and among native speakers.
  • For sentences, she recommends reading them with audio, imagining situations to use them, and practicing with a language exchange partner.
  • Zoe suggests using short videos for intensive listening exercises and longer ones for general listening exercises, focusing on topics of personal interest.
  • She advises using resources like TED Talks, celebrity interviews, and audiobooks to practice speaking skills, emphasizing choosing topics that motivate and interest you.
  • Zoe highlights the significance of persistence and routine in language learning, sharing her own journey from struggling to speak to confidently using multiple languages.
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