Listening strategies & resources

Listening comprehension is probably the most difficult task for almost all learners of English as a foreign language. Some questions as to how you can improve this skill may arise.
   
         *What can I do to improve my listening skills?

Well, there's only one way: to listen as often as possible.
   
         *Where can I find listening resources?

The Internet really comes in handy as a source of oral texts in English. You can watch your favourite series and movies. Also, very interesting documentaries, TV interviews with celebrities or your favourite English-speaking youtubers. You can listen to radio programmes (the BBC, 'All Things Considered' -on NPR), you can listen to songs, to TED talks...the list of resources is nearly endless. Even if you do not understand everything, listening to 'real' English can help you improve your vocabulary and pronunciation and help you grasp the rhythm of the foreign language.

You can also find oral texts in TEFL  (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) web pages. Here you are just a few - click on the pic and choose a topic.

       

 
     * Are there any strategies I can use to improve my listening skills?

Once you have begun to listen on a regular basis, you might still be frustrated by your limited comprehension. Here are some strategies to help you gradually increase your confidence:

          - accept the fact that you are not going to understand everything: even though you may miss most of the speech or conversation, you will understand keywords and key phrases and be able to understand important elements of language such as the context (is it a formal or informal conversation? does it happen in a shop, in the street? is it a job interview?), the topic (a business trip, a quarrel with a sibling...) or the relationship between the speakers (mother and daughter, friends, boss and employer...)

          - stay relaxed, even if you continue to have trouble understanding for a while: one of the advantages of using the Internet to improve your listening skills is that you can choose what you would like to listen to and how many times you would like to listen to it. Besides, repetition is a common feature of speech so it is very likely that the speaker or speakers will repeat the information and you will have a second or even third chance to understand what is being said.

          - do not translate into Spanish: by remaining calm and not translating while listening, your brain is free to concentrate on the most important thing: understanding English in English.

          - listen for the gist -the general idea of the conversation/speech: understanding the main idea will help you to understand the detail as the person continues to speak.

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NOW that you know the tips to develop your listening strategies and where to find listening resources, START LISTENING

        *set small and measurable goals

        *stay positive and celebrate your improvement