Although traveling to a foreign country is one of the best ways to learn a new language, there are also many ways to take our minds to different times and different places using the power of the Internet creatively.
Today we will use a brilliant oral presentation about the potential of our minds by Mr. Omar Villalobos, recorded at TEDxDF in Mexico City, to practice your listening and comprehension skills in Spanish.
In case you’re wondering something like: How is this going to work? How am I going to use this to practice Spanish?
Good question, the answer is simple: subtitles and perseverance.
This is how it is going to work:
First, activate the subtitles of the oral presentation by clicking on the CC (closed captions) icon available near the bottom right corner of the video player as shown in the next image:
After activating the subtitles, play the video while pausing and rewinding as much as needed in order to understand what Mr. Villalobos is saying. Even if you have to pause and rewind once every 5 seconds, it is worth it (this is where the perseverance is required).
Although it is easy to underestimate the value of an exercise like this, it is the equivalent of traveling to Mexico City and listening to a brilliant oral presentation by a highly qualified speaker, and having a translator helping you understand what he’s saying, plus, having the ability to pause time and space.
In other words, this is even better than being there at that time.
Make sure to have pen and paper nearby so you can write down any words or phrases that call your attention in order to review them later on.
So, are you ready to get started?
Well, here is the video of the oral presentation…
Omar Villalobos at TEDxDF – Es posible lo imposible (The imposible is Posible)
Now comes the second part of this exercise. Watch the video one more time, but this time, avoid pausing it and avoid reading the subtitles as much as possible.
You’ll notice that what seemed impossible at first (understanding an oral presentation in Spanish) is now possible. That is the specific goal this oral presentation actually talks about. So, Mr. Villalobos was right!
Here is the video one more time so you can watch it without subtitles this time:
Omar Villalobos at TEDxDF – Es posible lo imposible (The imposible is Posible)
Learn common phrases in Spanish here
Was it easier the last time you tried? How was your experience? Please share with us and let us know if you have any questions in the comment section available at the end of this page.
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