Improving Your Listening Skills: Watch Video

Hi everyone,

I've just created a video where teachers and students can watch in which I share some keys or "secrets" to improving your listening skills. I have also included some PowerPoint slides and a Student Assignment Sheet. This video is part of a new Web Conference Center I have just created. Visit the link below and then click on the Watch Video link at the top of the page:

-- http://esl-lab.com/webconference/webcenter.htm

I suggest reading the entire page so you understand the project's purpose.

Best,

Randall

Fast Speech: How Students Can Understand it Better

Often times, my students tell me that native English speakers talk too quickly, and then I respond by saying that they listen to SLOWLY. We often laugh about this, but I try to help my students realize that the issue is that native English speakers often reduce some sounds in what is called relax speech, which is hard for students to understand.

In other words, although English has only 5 main vowels (a,e.i,o,u), we sometimes don't pronounce these clearly in unstressed syllables. In other languages with the same vowels, these sounds are almost always stressed. Here are a couple of examples in English:

• I want to go to the party.
• I wanna go ta the party.
• I have to call him tonight.
• I hafta call 'im tanight.

Keep in mind that faster speech doesn't mean better communication skills. I've created a Web site to help students called http://www.trainyouraccent.com/. There are also a number of good books that help students improve their use and understanding of conversational English. One of them is Whaddaya Say: Guided Practice in Relaxed Speech. You can find more of my recommended books and electronic devices at:

• http://esl-lab.com/resources.htm

Besides understanding fast speech, what other factors do you think affect a student's ability to understand a language? Share your thoughts on this topic.

Randall

Freedom: What does it mean to you?

The idea and concept of the word, "freedom," can vary from person to person and place to place. Personally, I appreciate the freedom to share my beliefs and ideas with others without fear of action against me. If I want to, I could stand in a park and pass out information on my personal views, and I allow others to do the same.

However, with freedom comes responsibility and respect and potential consequences. Freedom doesn't mean you violate the freedoms of others. For example, I don't smoke, but in the area where I live, people are allowed to do so as long as it is within local laws and ordinances. If I violate somone's freedom, then I could be arrested.

So, what does freedom mean to you? Are there certain freedoms that you wish you could enjoy? Share your ideas.

Randall

The Perfect Meal: Breakfast and Dinner Recipes

The one thing I've learned in traveling throughout the United States and the world is that local customs, history, and geography play a role in the food of the area. In particular, the image of the ideal or perfect meal varies widely, and you can expect that everyone has eggs, toast, bacon, hash browns, and tall glass of orange juice for breakfast.

Therefore, if I visited your house for breakfast or dinner, what would be the ideal meal to serve to meal so I really had a flavor for the food and customs of your area? Is there any unique food of your area that I might never have tried before?

Share your ideas on this topic.

Randall

What's Your Favorite Search Engine?

Let's supposed that you need to write a paper about the effects of smoking on a person's health. Which search engine would you use to collect information and why? Share your thoughts on the topic?

Randall

Randall's Web Conference: Boosting Listening Skills

I will be holding a limited number of online presentations called, "Seven Keys to Boosting Your Listening Skills." This can be a way for ESL classes to interact with me on language learning online. More about this will be coming.

Randall

Favorite Song: What's the Message?

Music and song provide enjoyment to people for various reasons. For some, it's an escape or just a way to relax from the tensions of the day. For other people, music provides a soothing way of relaxing and even reflecting on the meaning of life. Personally, I gravitate towards music that has some didactic or practical lesson of life---something that teaches me about some aspect of life.

One song I enjoy is from the Pixar movie, Cars, by Brad Paisley. The song, Find Yourself, is about finding out who you are. Many times, you only discover who you really are when you get lost and find yourself in difficult situations. Discovering the meaning of life often doesn't happen during times of comfort and convenience.

For me, I have learned more about myself in times of great difficulty or during times of emotional struggles. Someone once said: "Smooth seas never made skilled sailors." As it turns out, no one will escape this life without disappointments and unexpected loses. The trick is to enjoy life in spite of challenges.

Now, share your favorite song and tell us what it means to you.

Randall