Upgrade your listening using Podcasts Recently I've introduced to the Podcast World. Since of then, I’ve opened up my vistas for it as a new way to improve my English. Thinking about the positive impa

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Felipe

Upgrade your listening using Podcasts Recently I've introduced to the Podcast World. Since of then, I’ve opened up my vistas for it as a new way to improve my English. Thinking about the positive impact that it caused to me, I’ve decided to write this text with the object to share this information to help other students like me. So, first of all, what is Podcast? I like to define Podcast comparing it to Youtube. Youtube is for TV as well Podcast is for Radio. At Youtube everyone can produce interesting videos (or not xD) and spread it out to the world. At the Podcast world you can do the same but on audio format. Ok, but why is it useful to learn languages? 1.Encourages you to maintain contact with the language: When you find some Foreign Podcast Channel that you really, really like, anyone stops you! Naturally you will consume lots and more lots of content in the language with zero effort. 2. Utilize “dead times” to learn: What do you do when you are washing your dishes? And on the traffic? Even though when you are taking shower? Why not to listen your favorite podcast at this times to improve your listening? No more lack of time excuses to learn languages xD 3. It’s very accessible: You don’t need to have access to the internet all the time you want to listen a podcast. You can download and listen it after. It’s not too heavy like videos. 4. Choose the speed Other big advantage that I see is the control of speech speed. Is it too fast for your level? No problem, you can slow it down. Is it so easy for you? Go faster! (I’ve heard that when you speed up an audio you improve your attention and, of course, save time). Ow, very nice Felipe! But how I do to start to listen podcasts? The first step is to download a podcast app. I really appreciate the “Podcast Republic” but I never tested others (by the way, it would be nice to know opinions about the others here; please comment if you know). Is it done? Now is the time to look for channels that interests you. Actually, this step is a constant step. All the time I come across something that interests me! I like to follow the Effortless English Podcast, from AJ Hoge (Very clear English and nice tips for language learners) and TED Talks. How about you? Have you ever heard about podcasts? Are you using it? What channel do you follow and recommend? Leave a comment here for us. PS: All of this is only my vision. I’m very open for further discussions and feedbacks (about grammar mistakes too, ok?)

Corrections · 2

Upgrade your listening using Podcasts

Recently I've been introduced to the world of podcasts. Since then, it has been a new way to improve my English. Thinking about the positive impact that has it caused to me, I’ve decided to write this text with the objective of sharing this information to help other students like me.

So, first of all, what is a podcast?
I like to define podcasts by comparing them to YouTube. YouTube is to TV the way that podcasts are to Radio. On YouTube, everyone can produce interesting (or sometimes not so interesting xD) videos and spread them around the world. In the world of podcasts, you can do the same, but in audible format.

Ok, but what makes it a useful language learning tool?
1.It encourages you to maintain contact with the language:
When you find a foreign podcast channel that you really like, nothing can stop you from learning! Naturally, a podcast allows you hear content in a foreign language--learning with zero effort.

2. Utilize “dead times” to learn:
What do you do when you are washing the dishes? Or stuck in traffic? Even when you're taking a shower, there is no reason not to listen to your favorite podcast and improve your listening skills? Ridding yourself of any excuse not to learn new languages and practice in the languages you study! xD

3. It’s very accessible:
You don’t need constant access to the internet to listen to a podcast. You can download them anytime you please and listen to them later. Furthermore, it's not a large file size compared to YouTube videos.

4. Choose the speed
Another big advantage that you can utilize is the ability to control the speed of the podcast. Too fast for your level? No problem: you can slow it down. Too easy for you? Go faster! (I’ve heard that when you speed up the audio, you improve your attentiveness and, of course, save time).

Oh, very nice Felipe, but how do I start listing to podcasts?

The first step is to download a podcast app. I suggest “Podcast Republic,” although I never tested others. (By the way, it would be nice to know your opinion of other podcast services; please comment if you know any).

Did you download it? Now it's time to look for channels that interest you. Actually, this step can be a constantly evolving one. For example, I come across something new that interests me all the time!

I like following TED Talks, as well as listening to AJ Hoge's, "Effortless English Podcast"--It has very clear English and nice tips for language learners.
How about you? Have you ever heard of podcasts? Are you listening to them now? What channel do you follow or recommend? Leave a comment here for us.

PS: All of this is only my vision. I’m very open for further discussions and feedbacks (about grammar mistakes too, ok?)

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