A Listening Method that Works All the Time

The best listening method for learning English is based on repetition.

• When you listen to a recording (a podcast, a piece of news, a film, a lesson etc.) it's better to listen to it at least twice without reading the text at the same time. If you can, close the book and just listen with your ears. Look away from the computer screen if you have the text together with the podcast, or switch the subtitles off if you're watching a film.
• Try to understand what the speaker is talking about and, if possible, say aloud what you think the communication is about, using your own words.
• This listening method involves writing as well. Listen again to the recording and try to write down the text, like a dictation. Pause the audio file if you need to.
• Now look at the original text that came with the recording and check to see if your written text is correct. Try to notice which words were difficult to hear - always be aware of these difficulties.
• Listen again to the text, with the text uncovered. Then read the text aloud, without the audio file, about 2 or 3 times. Try to keep up with the original rhythm, tone and pronunciation of the English speakers.
• After that, read the text aloud and listen to the text at the same time, about 2 or 3 times. More if you can. Do this until you can speak the same as the English speakers. This is very important! If you can record yourself, you could then compare your voice to the original recording.
• Now you are ready to listen to the audio file again without reading the text and you should understand the text perfectly. You can repeat it, in parallel to the audio file, but without looking at the written text.
• You should listen to at least one audio file every day, if you want to improve your English fast.