Episode 58: What to Do When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker
From English, please by Christopher
March 16, 2026 · 6 min · Season 4 · Episode 8
About this episode
This episode provides strategies for language learners on how to handle situations when they don't understand a native English speaker.
English, please is a podcast designed to help improve your English by listening to clear, intermediate English about many different topics like history, culture, art, music, travel, and language. Episode 58: What to Do When You Don’t Understand a Native Speaker It happens to almost every language learner: you're having a conversation in English, and suddenly you miss something. You freeze. You smile and nod. In this episode, you'll learn four simple strategies for exactly this situation, plus why native English is sometimes so hard to understand in the first place. As with all episodes, this one is just the right length for practicing your listening skills in one sitting. Want to keep practicing after you listen? Subscribe to the free English, please newsletter at comullen.com/newsletter . You'll get English practice tips and activities with every new episode, plus a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator delivered straight to your inbox. Want more structured practice? Try a free sample lesson from the English Listening Accelerator at comullen.com/listen . I'm now on YouTube! I share short, practical English content on my channel ! Episode transcript Podcast…
People in this episode
Host: Christopher
Topics covered
- language learning
- communication strategies
- understanding native speakers
- listening skills
- English practice
Keywords
- language learner
- native speaker
- conversation
- listening skills
- English practice
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: English Listening Accelerator, comullen.com, Ausha
More episodes of English, please
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- Episode 64: Movies for Intermediate English Learners · May 25, 2026 · 7 min
- Episode 63: Why Idioms in English Are So Hard to Understand · May 18, 2026 · 8 min
- Episode 62: Why Native English Speakers Don't Sound Like Your Textbook · May 11, 2026 · 7 min
- Episode 61: Listener Questions · May 4, 2026 · 8 min
- Episode 60: Why Americans Talk to Strangers · April 20, 2026 · 8 min
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