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DATING | Intermediate english podcast

English shadowing practice · 691 sentences · 25:46 long · 4459 words

About this practice session

This page turns the YouTube video “DATING | Intermediate english podcast” into an English shadowing exercise. The recording is split into 691 short sentences that you can play one at a time, repeat after the speaker and record your own version for automatic pronunciation scoring.

The speaker talks at about 181 words per minute, a fast pace, with an average of 6.5 words per sentence. That makes it best for advanced learners; slow the playback down or loop each sentence at first.

How to practise with this video

Play the first sentence and listen while reading the transcript. Notice the stress, the pauses and where the intonation rises or falls.
Replay it and speak along with the speaker, copying the rhythm rather than reading word by word.
Record yourself straight after the original. ShadowEcho scores each word for accuracy, fluency and completeness.
Compare your recording with the original, retry the words marked in red, then move on to the next sentence.
Practise 10–15 minutes a day. Coming back to the same video after a few days is an easy way to measure progress.

Transcript (English)

0:00 [Music]
0:01 This is your everyday English class.
0:03 Hello, welcome to English Cactus. My
0:06 name is Anna
0:07 >> and my name is Brian. This podcast will
0:10 help you practice your English in a fun
0:12 and natural way, improving your
0:14 listening skills.
0:15 >> Let me ask you something. Have you ever
0:17 felt nervous on a date because you
0:19 didn't know what to say? Or maybe you
0:21 wanted to make a good first impression,
0:23 but the words just didn't come out. Many
0:25 people think dating is only about
0:27 romance. But actually, it's also about
0:30 communication, and communication in
0:32 English can be a challenge, especially
0:34 if you're learning the language. But
0:36 don't worry, we are here to help.
0:38 >> In today's episode, we're going to
0:40 explore the world of dating. We'll talk
0:42 about how people meet, what to say on a
0:44 first date, what to avoid, and even some
0:47 cultural tips from English-speaking
0:49 countries that will surprise you. Some
0:51 people believe that you need to be
0:53 perfect when speaking English on a date.
0:55 That's not true. What really matters is
0:58 being natural, kind, and respectful.
1:00 Sometimes a simple sentence like, "It
1:03 was nice meeting you," is much more
1:05 powerful than long, complicated words.
1:07 >> So, if you want to learn how to express
1:09 yourself better in English, if you want
1:11 to understand what to say, what not to
1:13 say, and how dating works in
1:15 English-speaking culture, stay with us.
1:17 You'll leave today with sentences you
1:19 can use in real life.
1:21 >> Don't forget to subscribe to the
1:22 channel. Your support is really
1:24 important to us and you won't miss any
1:26 new lessons. And leave in the comments
1:29 where you are from. We love to know.
1:31 >> Now, grab your coffee, relax, and let's
1:33 begin.
1:34 >> Sophie, do you think meeting someone new
1:37 is easier today than it was 10 or 20
1:40 years ago? Sometimes I feel like
1:42 technology makes it simple, but also
1:44 more complicated at the same time.
1:47 That's such an interesting point. On one
1:49 hand, it's easier because you can
1:51 connect with people all over the world
1:53 through dating apps, social media, or
1:55 even online classes. But the problem is
1:59 many people don't always show their real
2:01 personality online.
2:03 >> Exactly. Online, you can send nice
2:05 messages, use filters, or prepare the
2:08 perfect answer. But when you meet in
2:10 real life, it's different. You need to
2:13 look into someone's eyes. You need to
2:15 listen carefully and you need to be
2:17 present in the moment. That makes a huge
2:20 difference.
2:20 >> Yes. And that's why I think first
2:22 impressions are so powerful. For
2:25 example, a smile, a kind word, or a
2:28 small gesture like opening the door or
2:30 saying after you can speak louder than a
2:33 hundred photos online.
2:34 >> True. I remember once I met someone in a
2:37 cafe and she just started a conversation
2:40 by asking about the book I was reading.
2:42 It was such a small thing, but it broke
2:44 the ice. We ended up talking for 2
2:47 hours.
2:47 >> That's exactly how it works. Sometimes
2:50 the best connections start with simple,
2:52 natural moments.
2:54 >> Do you remember how someone first asked
2:56 you out, Sophie? Was it formal,
2:58 romantic, or more casual?
3:00 >> I actually remember it very clearly. It
3:03 was very casual. After a class at
3:05 university, he just said, "Would you
3:07 like to grab a coffee later?" I liked
3:09 that it was relaxed and easy. There was
3:11 no pressure.
3:12 >> I like that style, too. Sometimes people
3:15 think they need to prepare a big plan
3:17 like flowers, a big dinner, or something
3:19 dramatic. But many times the best
3:22 invitation is simple. For example, do
3:24 you want to walk in the park this
3:26 weekend? Or would you like to try that
3:28 new pizza place?
3:29 >> Exactly. I think the way you ask is more
3:32 important than the activity itself. If
3:34 you are kind and polite, the other
3:36 person will probably feel comfortable.
3:38 And if you are relaxed, the other person
3:41 also relaxes. That's why I think humor
3:44 helps. Even a small joke can make an
3:46 invitation less stressful.
3:48 >> Yes. And also honesty. Instead of
3:51 playing games, just saying, "I'd like to
3:53 spend more time with you," is already
3:55 romantic.
3:56 >> So, Michael, what do you think people
3:58 should talk about on a first date?
4:00 >> I think the best topics are positive and
4:02 safe. For example, hobbies, favorite
4:05 movies, music, travel, or food. If you
4:08 ask someone, "What kind of music do you
4:10 like?" you can open many doors.
4:13 >> I agree. For example, I once asked a
4:15 person about their favorite book and
4:17 suddenly we were sharing titles,
4:19 authors, and even planning to exchange
4:21 books. That created a natural
4:24 connection.
4:24 >> Yes. On the other hand, there are some
4:27 topics that can make people feel
4:29 uncomfortable. For example, money,
4:31 politics, or too many questions about
4:33 past relationships. Those can feel
4:36 heavy.
4:36 >> True. A first date is not a job
4:39 interview. It's not about testing
4:41 someone. It's about creating chemistry.
4:44 >> Exactly. And chemistry doesn't always
4:46 mean big romance right away. Sometimes
4:49 it's just the feeling that the
4:50 conversation is easy, the time goes
4:53 fast, and you both enjoy it.
4:55 >> Yes, that's the best sign. If you feel
4:57 comfortable, it's a good first date.
5:00 >> Let's talk about mistakes. What are the
5:02 biggest don'ts on a date? For me, one of
5:05 the worst is checking your phone all the
5:07 time. It feels like you don't care about
5:09 the person in front of you.
5:11 >> Oh, yes. That's terrible. Another
5:13 mistake is talking only about yourself,
5:16 like giving a long speech about your job
5:18 or your life. A date should be a
5:20 conversation, not a monologue.
5:22 >> Exactly. And I think another red flag is
5:25 being rude to people around you, like
5:27 the waiter or waitress. How you treat
5:30 others shows a lot about your character.
5:32 >> Yes. On the positive side, the dues are
5:35 simple but powerful. Smile, ask
5:38 questions, listen, and show respect.
5:40 >> I agree. And you don't need to pretend.
5:43 Just be polite and honest. That creates
5:46 trust.
5:47 >> One thing I always try is to give
5:49 compliments, but in a natural way. For
5:52 example, I like your smile or that's an
5:54 interesting story. It shows that you are
5:57 paying attention.
5:58 >> That's perfect. Compliments are great
6:00 when they are sincere. Not too much, not
6:02 too heavy, but natural.
6:04 >> And what about after the first date?
6:06 What is the best way to continue?
6:08 >> I think sending a short message is
6:10 always a good idea. Something like, "I
6:12 had a great time. Let's do this again."
6:14 It's simple, but it shows interest.
6:17 >> Yes. And you don't need to follow old
6:19 rules like waiting 3 days to call. That
6:22 feels fake. Just be natural. If you
6:24 liked it, say it.
6:26 >> Exactly. Life is short and honesty is
6:29 refreshing. If you enjoyed yourself, why
6:31 hide it?
6:32 >> True. And if the other person feels the
6:34 same, it can be the start of something
6:36 beautiful. If not, at least you had a
6:38 good experience.
6:40 >> Yes. And dating is not only about
6:42 finding a boyfriend or girlfriend. It's
6:44 also about learning, growing, and
6:46 discovering more about yourself.
6:48 >> That's so true. Every date teaches you
6:51 something. Even the ones that don't
6:53 become a relationship. You learn what
6:55 you like, what you don't like, and what
6:57 kind of person you connect with.
6:59 Exactly. And when you finally meet the
7:01 right person, all those experiences make
7:04 you stronger and more ready for a
7:06 healthy relationship.
7:08 >> Hello again, friends. Now that you
7:10 listen to Michael and Sophie talking
7:12 about dating, let's go step by step. We

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DATING | Intermediate english podcast

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