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How to Master English Listening

Listening naturally and effectively is an important step in learning English.

It is important to listen well as it is to speak well. Listening combines the skills of reading, speaking and an understanding of culture. When native English speakers listen, they automatically pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues, such as variations in accent and stress, as well as body language. Mastering several skills is important in English listening.

Instructions

1. Read aloud. Hearing the words as you read them forms an important association in your brain. Speak loudly and clearly, paying attention to each word carefully. Do this every day, and you will become more comfortable with the sound of your voice and that of others.
2. Find other English speakers. Join English-speaking groups to share experiences, tips and exercise listening skills. Learning with other non-native speakers is a great way to feel comfortable about making mistakes and to build strategies for studying. If you can find native English speakers, watch how they speak, and ask them to slow down if you have trouble understanding the language.
3. Learn the various sounds of English. English can vary from place to place (from British English to American English, for example), so learn the differences between accents. Informal spoken English is also very different from dictionary or written English. The speed of spoken English can alter the sounds from what they would be in a dictionary. Master these differences.
4. Understand the cultural context. Spoken English often relies heavily on slang and cultural references. Use your background knowledge to relate what is being said to the speaker's wider cultural experience. Sometimes, you will have to guess and make assumptions. If you are not sure what the speaker is referring to, ask.
5. Like anything else, English listening skills only come with practice. Listen to English, from native speakers and non-native speakers, at every opportunity. Find English radio broadcasts, or find an online service like Voice of America, which provides news stories in both Special English and Standard English, to practice listening. Try to make your listening skills happen automatically, without thinking.
6. Turn on the subtitles track for English movies. Pay attention to both the actors' mouths and the subtitles. Repeat the words as the actors say them, mimicking as closely as possible how they speak, paying attention to stressed syllables and body language. Learning to speak like a native speaker will help by listening to native speakers. This can work for TV programs, as well.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_8324424_master-english-listening.html