The advice I give here works. I know this from personal experience. I can’t emphasize these points enough.

  • Watch the videos multiple times: notice how your comprehension increases each time.
  • Watch the videos with and without subtitles
  • Repetition, repetition, repetition!!! (At least a few minutes each day)
  • Review, review, review!! (At least a few minutes each day)
  • Try to speak along with the video
  • Take dictation: try to write what you hear without reading.
  • Turn off the sound and try to remember what’s being said.
  • Simply copy the text (either by hand or by using your computer)
  • Have fun! Be sure it doesn’t become a chore.
  • Appreciate each little step you make: a journey of 1000 kilometers begins with one step.
  • Try to exercise what you’ve learned (either in your head, or with other students or English speakers.
  • Watch the videos with your family or colleagues at work.
  • Remember: the main goal of any language is COMMUNICATION: Even if you say something imperfectly, if you’ve made yourself understood, you’ve succeeded
  • Mistakes are opportunities to learn.
  • Learn to laugh at yourself.
  • The effort you put in is what you’ll get out.
  • Have a good dictionary loaded onto your computer for quick reference, or look for an online dictionary.
  • Be brave! Studying a foreign language is admirable, so don’t let the fear of mistakes keep you from reaching your goals.
  • Use DVDs (television shows and films): It’s not necessary to dedicate hours to watching, but if you can learn little pieces from films and TV shows, it will be very helpful. Make sure what you choose is interesting to you.
  • A little each day, faithfully, is much better than long periods of study a few times a month.
  • Be consistent!