A podcast is playing in your car. You’re caught up in the conversation. Your imagination is alive. You don’t even care about the traffic. This is your time for yourself. Time to reflect. No calls. No interruptions.
That’s the power of audio.
A great podcast holds my attention in a way that feels magical.
I’m interested in thinking and learning more about the benefits of listening to podcasts.
I see 3 MAJOR BENEFITS of this act of listening, that are especially valuable for anyone seeking to improve their communication skills in English:
GOOD PODCASTS ARE EAR-CANDY MADE OF AUTHENTIC LANGUAGE
Listening to podcast interviews exposes your brain to authentic, real conversations, and diverse voices. Sooner or later you start to imitate what you hear and apply it effortlessly when you speak.
PODCASTS THAT FEATURE NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS GIVE YOU A GREAT DEAL OF CULTURAL INSIGHT
You “get” how different communication styles work, without having to analyze them.
LISTENING TO A PODCAST IS A KIND OF ACTIVE REST
Research shows that taking a regular break to disconnect from intense work and listen to something you find interesting actually enhances your creativity and productivity.
You don’t have to take lots of extra time out of your busy day.
Drive and listen. Take a short walk and listen. Just listen.
Here are some of my top podcast picks – interviews that moved, stimulated, and changed me. Of course, there are many more…:
Growth Mindset – A short interview with Carol Dweck, Stanford psychology professor and author of “Mindset.”:
https://www.npr.org/transcripts/483126798
Leadership – An interview with the amazing Harvard Business School Professor Frances Frei:
https://rb.gy/c2kyhg
Attention and Focus – An interview with New York Times best-selling author and gifted storyteller Johann Hari
https://rb.gy/dgfkmo
What are some of your favorite conversations? Please share with me!
