Help! Struggling with Playback Speed While Learning English

English as a Second Language Listening, speaking, pronunciation and accent
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Hey everyone! :wave: I’m learning English and I’m using YouTube, podcasts, and videos to improve. But I’m having trouble figuring out the right playback speed. :thinking:

I don’t want it to be too fast or too slow – I just need the right pace to understand everything better. :fast_forward:

Does anyone have recommendations for the best playback speed when learning English? Or any tips on how I can choose the right speed? Right now, I am using this video speed calculator for finding or calculating playback speed for videos.

Would really appreciate your help! :pray: Thanks in advance! :blush:

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Hey! :wave: That’s awesome you’re using different media to improve your English! Playback speed can make a huge difference, and finding the right pace is key. Here are some recommendations to help you get the most out of it:

Tips for Choosing the Right Playback Speed:

  1. Start slow and build up :walking_man::arrow_right::running_man:

    • If you’re a beginner or intermediate, try 0.75x speed. It slows down the speech just enough without making it sound robotic.
    • As you feel more comfortable, aim for normal speed (1x) to get used to how native speakers naturally talk.

  2. Use the “adjust gradually” method :hammer_and_wrench:

    • Begin a video or podcast at 0.75x or 0.9x, then after 5-10 minutes, increase it to 1x if you feel confident. If that’s too easy, experiment with 1.25x.

  3. Mix slow and normal speeds in a session :arrows_counterclockwise:

    • For example, watch or listen to a section slowly (0.75x), then re-watch it at normal speed. This helps reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation.

  4. Practice shadowing :speaking_head:

    • At 0.75x or 1x speed, repeat after the speaker to improve fluency and intonation. Slower speeds can help you catch the sounds and word connections more easily.

  5. Use subtitles sparingly :memo:

    • Try English subtitles at first if you need them, but once you’re familiar with the topic, challenge yourself without them to improve listening comprehension.

  6. Adjust based on content difficulty :books:

    • For easy or familiar topics, try 1x or even 1.25x if you’re up for a challenge. For more complex topics, slowing down can help you catch the details.

Playback Speed Recommendations (General Guide):

Your Comfort Level Suggested Speed
New or difficult content 0.75x or 0.9x
Familiar content 1x (normal speed)
Review or repetition 1.25x or faster

Let me know if you find a sweet spot or if you have any specific content types you’re working on! :smile:

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Thanks for the great tips! :raised_hands: I’ll try starting at 0.75x and gradually increase. The “mix slow and normal speeds” method sounds really useful too. I’ll also practice shadowing at 0.75x to improve fluency! Right now I am using normal speed e.g. 1x.

Do you have any favorite podcasts or YouTube channels for learning English? Would love to check them out! :smile:

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