Shadowing
Speak along with the recording, half a beat behind. Borrowed from interpreter training, it turns hearing every word into a reflex while you practise pace, rhythm and intonation.
How to practise: five steps
1. Understand
Play line by line with the text and meaning until each line makes sense.
2. Mumble
Play continuously and mumble along to catch the rhythm; clarity comes later.
3. Read along
Read the text aloud in sync with the recording, then see which words you missed.
4. Shadow
No text: follow the voice by ear, half a beat behind.
5. Shadow for meaning
Keep the meaning in mind as you speak; only the Chinese is shown.
Shadow material a little easier than your level: the ★ version is one level below yours, so start there. Beginners (A1–A2) should use "Listen, then say" before shadowing in sync.