“Seeing is believing,” but when it comes to learning a foreign language, especially English, “hearing is believing” is more accurate! So, how can you “open your ears and enlighten your eyes,” turning English listening from torture into a passion? Join me, a seasoned expert with 10 years of experience in soft skills training, to discover the most effective secrets to “training” your English listening skills!
From my early days in this profession, I realized just how important English listening skills are. It’s like learning contract negotiation skills; you need to clearly hear what the other party wants to negotiate effectively. Therefore, I have constantly sought, researched, and applied various methods to help my students “elevate” their listening skills.
Why is English Listening So “Tough”?
Have you ever wondered why, after studying English “year after year,” listening still feels like “gibberish”? Don’t worry, you’re not the only “difficult case”!
There are many reasons for this “English listening sounds like a foreign language” situation, such as:
- Psychological Hesitation and Fear of Being Wrong: Just like the first time you step onto a stage, anxiety and fear can make you freeze and unable to perform to your full potential.
- Lack of Vocabulary and Grammar: Imagine listening to a story without understanding the meaning of the words; you’d feel “lost in translation,” wouldn’t you?
- Unfamiliarity with Intonation and Pronunciation: Each region and country has its own English pronunciation and intonation. Being unfamiliar with this diversity makes it difficult to understand.
What “Secrets” Can Help You “Conquer” English Listening Skills?
Don’t be discouraged; “a long road tests a horse’s strength,” and so does practicing English listening skills. As long as you are persistent and apply the right methods, you will surely reap “sweet fruit.” Here are some “secrets” I want to share:
1. “Train Your Ears” Every Day
Did you know that listening to English every day is like “watering a plant”? Spend at least 30 minutes each day listening to English; you can listen to music, watch movies, listen to podcasts, etc.
2. Start with Familiar Topics
Instead of “diving headfirst” into “difficult” topics, start with topics that are close to everyday life, such as family, friends, hobbies, etc.
3. Use Diverse Listening Sources
“Diversifying” your listening sources helps you become familiar with different pronunciations and intonations. You can refer to some reputable listening sources such as: VOA Learning English, BBC Learning English, Spotlight English, etc.
4. “Learn by Doing”
Don’t just “listen passively”; combine it with practicing other skills like speaking, reading, and writing. This helps you “improve” your English proficiency comprehensively.
Suggestions for You:
To “elevate” your English listening skills, you can refer to the communication skills training in the classroom course on the “KỸ NĂNG MỀM” website. The course is designed systematically, suitable for various audiences, helping you “open your ears and enlighten your eyes,” confidently communicate in English like a native speaker.
Conclusion
“Dripping water wears away a stone,” and so does practicing English listening skills. Be persistent, patient, and apply the right methods, and you will surely succeed.
Leave a comment below to share about your English “conquering” journey! And don’t forget, “KỸ NĂNG MỀM” is always with you on your journey to conquer the “mountain” of English! Contact us immediately at phone number: 0372666666, or come to the address: 55 To Tien Thanh, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer care team.