3 Ways to practise English listening that AREN'T movies or TV
Don't get me wrong, movies and TV series are great BUT they're not the only way and let's be honest they require commitment. For a movie you've to commit a few hours or for a series you commit to all the episodes. And also sometimes maybe you're just in the mood for something new.
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YouTube videos
Advantages:
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Often shorter
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Variety of lengths
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Variety of topics
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Everyday English
Disadvantages:
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Potentially incorrect English (depends on the Youtuber)
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Potentially hectic (some have many people talking at the same time or other things that make them difficult)
Some channels to check out:
(*check out - phrasal verb = look at, try)
1. Kinda Cosy
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She is an English teacher so they are designed for English learners but they are more chatty and vlog like videos which are great for gaining vocabulary and for improving your speaking and listening.
She is a French person living in the UK so she talks about some things she finds strange, a vlog of her week, stories from being an au pair and lots more
2. Krissy Cela
These are not designed for English learners so she can speak very quickly so I suggest that you watch it on 0.75 speed as it still sounds normal but will give you a chance to understand.
If you are interested in fitness, food or business then have a look at her channel.
3. Travelling with EF
On the go with EF – Our Vlog about Travel & Languages
These are designed for English learners. It is two people who travel and talk about all the cool things in those places. They are a good pace and conversational English.
If you are interested in travel and learning interesting facts about places around the world check out this series on their channel
4. Drew Binsky
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He has travelled to ALL the countries in the world, which is pretty crazy (in a good way). His videos are under 20 minutes
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If you enjoy travel vlogs, learning about other countries and cultures then check him out
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5. Aubrie & Brad Bromlow
Bradley and Aubrie Bromlow - YouTube
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They are a couple, with a young child and they run/own a few businesses. Their channel is lifestyle, fitness, food and general life.
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Podcasts
Advantages:
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​Variety of lengths
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Variety of topics
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Everyday English - more formal than Youtube videos but still 'normal' English
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Usually correct English
Disadvantages:
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It can take a lot of trial and error to find the right one for you
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They can be very long
Some podcasts to check out:
1. The Diary of a CEO
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | Podcast on Spotify
Available on spotify, apple podcasts & youtube.
Steven Bartlett the host interviews people in the public eye. Some people he has interviewed include Molly Mae (influencer), Matt Hancock (British politician), Jimmy Carr (comedian), Krissy Cela (entrepreneur) & Ben Francis (gymshark co founder)
So as you can see quite a variety of guest, the interviews are very personal. However, they are quite long (1 - 2 hours).
(usually English accents)
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2. The English We Speak
BBC Radio - The English We Speak - Downloads
Very short (around 2 mins). Specifically designed for English learners
From BBC. They are essentially phrases. They give examples and meaning of one phrase per episode
(English accent)
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I actually can't believe how hard it is to find podcasts that are of potential interest to a lot of people, so with that being said, find podcasts in areas that interest YOU.
There are millions of podcasts out there. My only advice is to give it a chance i.e. not just give up after two minutes no matter how tempting that may be
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If you like you ________ could try:
Formula 1 - The Ringer F1 Show | Podcast on Spotify they speak quite quickly so I suggest playing it at 0.8 speed (American accent)
Crime - Criminal | Podcast on Spotify people talk about crimes they were involved in
Food - Gastropod | Podcast on Spotify I mean if you are really into food and the stuff behind it
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I think you see where I am going with this... there are podcasts on everything.
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Ted Talks
Advantages:
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​Variety of lengths
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Variety of topics
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Everyday English - more formal than Youtube videos but still 'normal' English
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Usually correct English
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One speaker
Disadvantages:
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It can be hard to find ones you are interested in
Some Ted Talks to check out:
TED: Ideas Worth Spreading By topic
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Input your interests on the site to get some suggestions
Some to get you started
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1. Let's teach for mastery -- not test scores
by Sal Khan
Sal Khan: Let's teach for mastery -- not test scores | TED Talk
Khan Academy founder talks about gaps we all have in our education. I personally found this very interesting. (it is 10mins)
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2. The beautiful balance between courage and fear
by Cara E. Yar Khan
Cara E. Yar Khan: The beautiful balance between courage and fear | TED Talk
She talks about her personal journey through the grand canyon as a way of demonstrating the need for a balance between courage and fear
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3. The global learning crisis -- and what to do about it
by Amel Karboul
Amel Karboul: The global learning crisis -- and what to do about it | TED Talk
Some very interesting ideas on world education and the need for the whole world to adapt together
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I think Ted Talks are so amazing to look beyond the news, look beyond the basic topics.
There are talks on almost EVERY topic
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ALSO remember if they are speaking too fast, all you need to do is play the video at 0.75 or 0.5 speed
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(Lastly if Ted Talks are not available where you are they have many of them on YouTube simple search Ted talks on youtube :))
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Main takeaways:
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There are LOTS of options
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Find topics that YOU find interesting
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If someone is speaking too fast CHANGE the playback speed
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It doesn't have to be specifically designed for English learners to be useful
Have some suggested podcasts, Ted Talks or YouTube channels to add to the list?
Send them to me by DM on instagram @english_lesson_daily
or email english.lesson.daily@gmail.com :)
