Want to understand native English speakers more easily? Improving your English listening skills is the key! In this blog, you’ll discover practical tips and powerful strategies to boost your listening ability fast. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, these techniques—especially using podcasts—will help you train your ears and learn English naturally. Let’s dive in!
Blog Category: Podcast
Hosts: Ruby & Tim
Genre: Improvement / Education
Title: Ways To Improve English Listening Skills | English Listening Practice | Learn English with Podcast
Introduction
Ruby:
Hey friends! Welcome back to English Podcast with Ruby! I’m Ruby.
Tim:
And I’m Tim! Thanks for joining us again. Whether you’re walking to class, chilling at home, or just taking a break — we’re so happy you’re here.
Ruby:
Let me ask you something. Um,hm, Have you ever listened to English and thought…
“Wait… what did they just say?”
Maybe it was a movie, a podcast, or even your teacher — and suddenly, you’re lost.
Tim:
Yeah, we’ve all been there. And the worst part? You start feeling like,
“My listening just isn’t good enough…”
Ruby:
But here’s the good news: It’s not about being bad at listening — it’s about training your ears the right way. And today, we’re giving you 6 simple, powerful ways to do just that.
Tim:
These aren’t boring textbook tips. Um,hm, These are real, fun, and totally doable strategies that actually work.
Ruby:
So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s train those ears together!
Tim:
And hey — don’t forget!
If you want to review this lesson and check out the vocabulary, just click the link in the description — it’s free for you!
Ruby:
And if you enjoy this episode, Please like, comment, and subscribe to stay with us every week!
Why Listening Is the Foundation of Language Learning?
Ruby:
Let’s start with something important — listening isn’t just another skill. It’s the heart of learning any language.
Tim:
Think about how babies learn. They don’t start with grammar books or vocabulary lists. They listen. For months. They hear the rhythm, the tone, the sounds — long before they ever speak.
Ruby:
Exactly. When you listen often, you naturally absorb the sounds of English — pronunciation, intonation, sentence patterns, and useful phrases. Your brain starts to recognize how the language flows.
Tim:
And here’s the secret most learners don’t realize — strong listening skills make everything else easier. You’ll speak more confidently, understand more when you read, and even write better.
Ruby:
So if you want to grow in English, listening isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
Common Challenges Learners Face When Listening
Tim:
Okay, so we know listening is powerful — but let’s be real. It also comes with some big challenges.
Ruby:
First, native speakers talk fast. Like, blink-and-you-miss-it fast. It can feel like all the words are blending together.
Tim:
And on top of that, they don’t always speak clearly. They use slang, idioms, and casual expressions that you probably haven’t learned in class.
Ruby:
Then there’s the noise — background sounds in videos, or when someone’s talking in a café or on the street. Plus, different accents can totally throw you off.
Tim:
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by these things. But here’s the good news — listening is a skill. And like any skill, you can train it, step by step.
Ruby:
And that’s exactly what we’re going to help you do today — with 6 simple, powerful tips that actually work.
Tip #1: Start with Simple Content
Ruby:
Alright, let’s kick things off with the first tip: Start with simple content. Mhm… I know, it sounds basic, but trust me, it works.
Tim:
Yeah! A lot of learners jump straight into movies or fast-paced podcasts, and then they feel frustrated when they can’t keep up. Oh, you don’t want that!
Ruby:
Exactly! So, let’s go back to basics. Start with something like songs that have clear, slow lyrics. Something you can sing along to. Not only does it help you hear the words, but it also makes it fun!
Tim:
Mm-hmm, exactly. And cartoons — don’t laugh! Cartoons are a great way to practice. They use simple language, clear pronunciation, and the characters speak slowly. Plus, it’s easy to follow.
Ruby:
And don’t forget about short conversations or children’s stories. They’re designed to be simple and clear, so you can catch every word. Oh, and the best part? You can replay them as much as you want!
Tim:
Right! When you start with simple content, it helps you build your confidence. You’ll start recognizing words and phrases, and slowly, it gets easier to move on to more advanced stuff.
Tip #2: Use Subtitles and Transcripts
Ruby:
Alright, moving on to tip number two: Use subtitles and transcripts. Oh, this one is super helpful, especially when you’re starting out.
Tim:
Mm-hmm, exactly! Subtitles are like a bridge between what you hear and what you see. They help you connect the sounds to the written words. Plus, it’s a great way to catch any words you might miss.
Ruby:
Right! When you use English subtitles, you can see how words are spelled, which is huge for remembering vocabulary. And don’t be afraid to pause and look up new words! That’s how you build your vocabulary.
Tim:
Oh, totally. And if you’re feeling extra motivated, try practicing your pronunciation using the transcript. You can repeat what you hear, match your pronunciation to the words on the screen — it’s like having a mini-language lesson!
Ruby:
And here’s a fun challenge! After watching with subtitles, watch the same video again without them. This will help you test how much you can actually understand without relying on reading. Mhm, it’s a great way to see your progress!
Tim:
It’s all about layering — starting with subtitles, and as you improve, slowly removing them to push your listening skills. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it gets!
Tip #3: Active Listening + Passive Listening
Ruby:
Now, let’s talk about something really cool — active listening and how to combine it with passive listening. Trust me, this is a game changer.
Tim:
Oh, yes! Let’s start with active listening. This one requires focus. So first, find a quiet place, somewhere you can really concentrate. You don’t want distractions!
Ruby:
Exactly. When you’re actively listening, take notes! Jot down new words, phrases, or key ideas. Oh, and here’s a trick: pause, think about what you just heard, and try to summarize it in your own words. You could even write it down!
Tim:
Right, and if you don’t understand something? Don’t just move on. Ask someone or look it up! Don’t be afraid to pause and search for the meaning. And of course, go back and listen to the tricky part again.
Ruby:
Mm-hmm, exactly! It’s like solving a puzzle. When you hear something you don’t get, try to guess its meaning from context before checking. This makes your brain work harder and helps you remember it better.
Tim:
But hey, don’t forget about passive listening! This is the fun part. You can listen to English while doing other things — walking, cooking, even on the bus. It’s a great way to get extra practice without thinking too hard.
Ruby:
And the best part? Listen to topics that you love! If you enjoy what you’re hearing, it won’t feel like studying at all. it’ll just feel like entertainment.
Tim:
Right! So mix both — active listening when you can focus, and passive listening when you’re doing other things. Together, they’re powerful!
Ruby:
And if you like this podcast, could you give me a like? And don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to practice listening when you’re on the bus, cooking, walking, or whenever you can!
Tip #4: Get Used to Different English Accents
Ruby:
Alright, tip number four — Get used to different English accents. Mhm, this one is super important but often overlooked.
Tim:
Oh yeah, totally! A lot of learners get used to just one accent, like American English, and then — boom — they hear a British or Australian accent and feel totally lost.
Ruby:
Exactly! That’s why you should listen to a variety of accents. Try to mix it up — American, British, Australian, even regional ones like Scottish or Southern American. It really trains your ears.
Tim:
You can start by watching interviews or YouTube videos with speakers from different countries. Mhm, I love watching travel channels or TED Talks — so many accents in one place!
Ruby:
Same here! And here’s a tip — try listening to international news, like the BBC or ABC Australia. The anchors speak clearly but in their natural accents, so it’s great practice.
Tim:
Yeah, the goal isn’t to perfectly understand every accent right away, but to get used to the variety. Over time, your brain will adapt and recognize the patterns.
Ruby:
Exactly. So don’t panic if you don’t catch every word at first. Just keep listening, stay curious, and let your ears adjust naturally.
Tim:
You got this!
Tip #5: Combine Listening with Speaking
Tim:
Alright, tip number five — Combine listening with speaking. Oh, this one’s super effective if you want to improve faster!
Ruby:
Mm-hmm, when you listen carefully, you start to notice how native speakers pronounce words, where they pause, and how their sentences flow. That helps a lot with speaking fluently.
Tim:
Exactly. Listening isn’t just for understanding — it’s for copying too! Try shadowing — that means repeating what someone says right after they say it. You can do this with movies, shows, or even short podcasts.
Ruby:
And don’t worry if you’re learning alone — you can still talk to yourself! Seriously. Haha, just pick a character from a movie and mimic them. Their tone, rhythm, everything!
Tim:
Yeah, it’s like acting! You don’t need to sound perfect, but the more you practice, the more natural your speaking becomes.
Ruby:
Or, if you can, find a speaking buddy. Having someone to practice with makes it fun and less scary. And you’ll feel more confident over time. Mhm, it really works.
Tim:
So remember — don’t just listen, speak too! Use what you hear, and make it your own.
Tip #6: Be Consistent and Stay Patient
Ruby:
And here we are — tip number six: Be consistent and stay patient. Mhm, this might be the most important one of all.
Tim:
Oh yeah, definitely. Listening skills take time. You can’t expect to understand everything after just a few days. It’s a process.
Ruby:
Exactly. So if you don’t catch every word, don’t worry. It’s totally normal! The key is to keep going. A little bit every day is better than a lot once in a while.
Tim:
Think of it like exercise. The more you train your ears, the stronger they get. And one day — boom! — you’ll realize, “Hey, I understood that whole sentence!”
Ruby:
Yes! And you know what? Celebrate those small wins! Maybe you understood a new word today. Or you followed part of a conversation you couldn’t before. Mhm, that’s a big deal!
Tim:
Absolutely. Those little victories add up over time. Don’t overlook them — they show that your brain is growing and adapting.
Ruby:
So stay positive, stay curious, and trust yourself. You’re learning more than you think.
Tim:
Exactly. Be kind to yourself and keep listening. You’re doing great — seriously!
Highlight Vocabulary from Today’s Episode
Ruby:
Alright, before we wrap up, let’s take a quick look at some useful vocabulary from today’s episode.
Tim:
Yeah, these words will help you better understand what you hear — and also help you sound more natural when you speak!
Ruby:
So grab a notebook if you can, and let’s go through them together.
| Vocabulary | Meaning | For example |
| 1. Accent | Meaning: The way someone pronounces words, often based on their region. | For example: She speaks with a strong British accent. |
| 2. Fluency | Meaning: The ability to speak smoothly and easily. | For example: Practice every day to improve your fluency. |
| 3. Pronunciation | Meaning: The way a word is spoken. | For example: His pronunciation is very clear and easy to understand. |
| 4. Subtitles | Meaning: Text at the bottom of a screen that shows what is being said. | For example: I watched the movie with English subtitles. |
| 5. Transcript | Meaning: A written version of spoken words. | For example: I read the transcript to check new vocabulary. |
| 6. Shadowing | Meaning: A technique where you repeat what you hear immediately. | For example: Shadowing helps improve your listening and speaking. |
| 7. Consistency | Meaning: Doing something regularly without stopping. | For example: Consistency is key to language learning. |
| 8. Slang | Meaning: Informal language used in casual speech. | For example: I didn’t understand the slang in that TV show. |
| 9. Phrasal verb | Meaning: A verb + preposition combination with a new meaning. | For example: “Look up” means to search for information. |
| 10. Idioms | Meaning: Expressions with meanings different from the literal words. | For example: “Break the ice” means to start a conversation easily. |
| 11. Exposure | Meaning: The experience of hearing or seeing something often. | For example: Daily exposure to English helps you improve faster. |
| 12. Comprehension | Meaning: The ability to understand what you hear or read. | For example: Listening comprehension takes time to develop. |
| 13. Background noise | Meaning: Other sounds that make it hard to focus on what you’re listening to. | For example: I couldn’t hear the speaker clearly because of the noise. |
| 14. Active listening | Meaning: Focusing completely and responding when listening. | For example: Active listening helps you understand and remember more. |
| 15. Passive listening | Meaning: Listening without full focus, usually in the background. | For example: I do passive listening while cleaning my room. |
Ruby:
Wow, you’ve made it through today’s listening session! I really hope these tips help you improve your listening skills effectively. Every small step, every practice session brings you closer to your goal.
Tim:
Remember to stay consistent and practice every day! And if you liked this podcast, would you mind giving us a like? Don’t forget to subscribe so you can keep practicing your listening while you’re on the bus, cooking, walking, or anytime you can!
Ruby:
Thank you so much for joining us today! If you’d like to review this lesson and check out the vocabulary, be sure to click the link in the description — it’s completely free for you.
We’ll see you in the next episode of English Podcast with Ruby! Happy learning!
Tim:
See you next time! Bye!
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Learn English Podcast: English Podcast With Ruby
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