5 Ways to 2x your listening speed (in English)

Is listening one of your weak points?

If so, here are 5 ways that can help you improve and get better at hearing faster English.

#1
Listen at 1.25~1.5 speed

These days most audio and video platforms (like youtube) have a speed setting. By increasing the speed to 1.25, you're brain will try to adjust and get used to the new pace. Then when you go back to normal speed, it'll seem much easier.

#2
Repeat Listening

Sometimes it's difficult to catch words and phrases the first time we listen. If you go back and listen to the same material again, you might be surprised how much you are able to understand.

I recommend doing this with small audio recordings of 1~5 minutes. Anything more and it becomes boring.

#3
Relax!

Talking with someone in another language can be nerve-wracking. Will they speak too fast? What if they say something I don't understand?

But if we can relax a little, it makes it easier for us to hear the words and to be ready to reply. Experience is always the best cure for this, but before a lesson, remind yourself to relax.

#4
Increase your vocabulary

I guess this is obvious, but increasing your vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your listening. The more words you know, the more you will understand what is being said. You will also be surprised less by new words and your brain will have to do less work.

#5
Listen to different accents

The English speaking world covers many accents. American, British, Australian, Indian etc. Getting used to these accents will help you feel more comfortable with different people and get your brain used to the different ways words are said.

Many movies and tv shows have characters from different places, pay attention to how they say different words.

And that's it for today!

I hope you learned something and if you'd like help with your listening, please consider taking a lesson with me. In fact, I currently have a 50% off coupon (see below).

Thanks,
Ben

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