Podcasts can be fun and entertaining, but they also can be educational and informative. Many listeners prefer the latter one. In fact, podcasts can be a means for self-development if you use them properly.
First of all, you can listen to a podcast from anywhere and whenever you want to. This is one of the reasons podcasts became so popular. It is a perfect solution for those who have a busy schedule and do not have time to read or watch something. You can listen to podcasts on your way to work or while cooking, meaning you do not need extra time for it.
But it does not mean that you are less attentive when listening to podcasts. In fact, the opposite is true. Listening to a podcast demands a lot of concentration, as your brain should imagine everything pretty quickly. It should work at the same pace as the show. Compare this to reading, when your mind can idly roam and easily divert from the topic, and the advantage is obvious.
Plus, with podcasts, you should actively think about what you are hearing. This is less the case with the videos. In the case of watching, it is easy to pay half attention but still get the point. Podcasts, on the other hand, demand your full commitment.
However, if you want to get the most out of the podcasts, you need to take your podcast listening to another level. That is why we have covered here some tips that will help you to learn better with podcasts.
3 tips to learn from podcasts more effectively
Play around with the playback speed
If you think that the podcast you are following is too general, but you do not want to skip it entirely either, make it fast. Sometimes it seems like the podcaster is diverting from the topic too much. At the same time, it might be true that the most crucial information comes only halfway through the show. So what should you do?
Double up the podcast speed. Many podcasting apps allow you to listen to the podcast at your desired speed. Make it x2, and enjoy. You can also use this strategy when you have only 15 minutes to spare, but your favorite podcast is a 30 minutes long one. With modern adaptive AI technology, it is easy to make your podcast as fast or as slow as you want.
Use the podcast notes
Many podcasters use the text-to-podcast AI tool to convert their text to speech. This means that they have the entire script of their podcast ready, and they usually post it online. Some podcasters show only some parts of the podcast with the notes, and the others display the entire text. Make sure you use them to make your learning even more efficient.
Find your perfect timing
Find out which time of the day is the best podcast-listening time for you. Many millennials and gen Zers would prefer to listen to podcasts while doing another, a non-mental activity. For instance, you can listen to podcasts while walking your dog or having a run. This will make you feel double productive.
So, if you want to gain knowledge but are tired of the conventional ways, try out podcasts, and you will not regret it.
