Learn More Faster: 9 tips to increase listening comprehension from audiobooks and podcasts

The primary problem with knowledge acquisition (or "learning" for those of you who don't want to use my cool new buzz phrase) is that it's expensive in the currencies of time, mental energy, and sometimes money.

Audio learning is a powerful weapon in the fight against the tyranny of high-cost (again, in terms of time and mental energy, primarily) information. The benefits of knowledge acquisition through audiobooks, programs, or podcasts include increased vocabulary, improved listening skills, boosted comprehension, and improved attention spans.

Tips for maximizing comprehension and information equity...

Multi-task. 

Since our goal is to extract the maximum amount of information with the minimum investment of our major currencies, time, and mental energy (thereby increasing information equity). Listen to audio programs while you are doing something else that does not require your complete, creative attention. Such as commuting to work, working out at the gym, doing household tasks, or repetitive tasks on a computer. In fact, I have a podcast or audiobook playing in the background for over half my workday. People are always impressed when I tell them that I "read" 2-3 books a week, work 50-60 hours a week, and still find time to live an active social and family life.

Repetition – Listen at least twice.

What do the best Christians do? Read the Bible a lot. What do the best doctors do? Study medical papers a lot. What do the best stock brokers do? Read the Wall Street Journal every morning. Unless an audio program was a particular waste of time, listen to it at least twice. The first listen is just about discovery, the second listen-through, set some goals like picking out particular themes.

Switch it up.

Depending upon your personality, you aren't going to want to listen to one particular audio program for more than a few hours. I also recommend switching up the topic. For instance, after two hours your brain is going to be tired of hearing about marketing trends so switch to a program about fitness or history.

Share with a friend.

One of the best ways to learn is to teach. So make it a point to bring up and share with a friend something interesting you learned within 24 hours of hearing it on an audio program. In today's era of instant communication and social media, this is easier than ever. What's even better is to find a friend who will listen to the same audio program you are listening to and then discuss.

Goal setting.

Make specific goals for each listening. For instance, learn five new critical problem-solving skills from a particular book or lesson. Or, learn two new interesting anecdotes to use at a friend's party this weekend. Also prior to listening to the book, background information on the main idea of the text should be understood somewhat.

Use memory triggers.

When you consume a piece of particularly valuable information use a memory trigger to make sure that information is benefiting you at some point in the future. This is the practice of making some kind of absurd (this is important) mental association that will be triggered by some type of event in the future. If this sounds like too much mental gymnastics for your tastes use the tip below, or both together for even better results. Want to improve memory and make semantic knowledge stick? One of the best tools (that's also free) is the SuperMemo flashcard app - its algorithm hacks your forgetting process.

SuperMemo

 

4.0

Category: Software & Apps

Takes notes.

If possible while listening, keep a notepad handy (or a notes application on your phone) to write down anything you feel is particularly interesting or relevant. You'll find that facts and information stick more in your memory if you vocally articulate them, I like Evernote voice notes for this.

Evernote

 

5.0

Category: Apps & Software

Voice and sound variation.

Look for audiobooks that use both male and female voices, professional actors, and music or sound effects to go along with the reading. The best readers serve as models for students who struggle with reading aloud. The use of other sounds calls attention to certain dramatic parts of the text to further enhance the understanding.

Understanding context.

Understanding the political, historical settings, or life experience of the author does a lot to help you understand the context of the book. Some audiobooks contain additional information like author commentary, which is good supplemental material. It helps you connect with the writer, giving you a better understanding of the writing process. This exercise can also help you form better critical thinking and in-depth analysis abilities for future readings.

As an MP3 listener with good taste, you'll want to check out the Limitless Mindset podcast. It's a little different than formulaic self-help podcasts that you've probably already listened to - I do deep-dive rigorous audio presentations on health, science, mindset, and philosophy that I think you'll find stimulating and provocative.