Listening Skills: How to Practice Listening so You Can Understand Fast Speech

A common challenge language learners find when learning English is listening to and comprehending fast speech. Often times what is thought to be fast is in fact the native speaker’s natural pace. There is a lot of variation of speaking pace not only from person to person, but between regions as well. New Yorkers are know for their fast talking, while in the South or in rural areas things tend to move a little slower. However anyone, anywhere can be a fast talker!

So what can you do to improve your listening skills so you can understand faster speakers?

Youtube, podcasts, audiobooks, and TED talks, all have setting options to slow down the video and/or audio. If you are finding that the video or radio shows are too difficult to follow, slow the speed down. My suggestion is to watch the same video several times, and increase the speed each time until you are able to listen at a normal or fast pace. At that point it would be even better to start to repeat what you hear and try to listen at a faster than normal speed!

Want to see how to do this on YouTube?

Check out this video:

Try these steps the next time you practice your English listening:

• 1st time: Listen at 0.6 speed (or 1/2 if you are in the Podcast app).

• 2nd time: Listen at 0.75 speed.

• 3rd time: Listen at “Normal” speed.

• 4th time: Repeat what you hear.

• 5th time: Listen at 1.25 speed.

Do this as often as possible (I suggest doing this daily) and you will see BIG IMPROVEMENTS in your listening skills.

Remember: Consistent practice is key to reaching your #GOALS!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments!
Want more lessons like this? Subscribe below!