Guessing the Meaning from Context
When
people speak, they often use words that will be new to you. Of course, you
can’t get out your dictionary to check the meaning of a new word in the middle
of a conversation! You will need to guess the meaning from the context, the situation.
There
are many ways to underdstand new words as you listen to someone speak. Here are
two ways:
·
Listen for the
words you know. Sometimes you will
hear an explanation after you know.
Example: I like gardening–you know, planting flowers, watering, stuff like that.
·
Watch the
speaker ‘s body language (movements
with the hands and body).
Previewing: Having Question in Mind
It’s
good idea to have a question or questions in mind when you listen to an
interview, radio program, lecture, or presentation. Then when you are listening, you will listen for the
answer(s). This help you to focus and understand more.
Listening for Examples
Speakers
often give examples to explain difficult words or ideas. When listening, pay
close attention to examples. This will help you understand more.
Examples often follow
expressions such as here’s one, like, and such as.
Example:
Ashley knows some good mnemonics. Here’s one . . .
Mike remembers a lot of mnemonics like . . .
To remember numbers, Rachel likes to use
mnemonics such as . . .
Resource:
Listening For General
Communication book by Laurie Blass and Pamela
Hartmann
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