How To Get The Most Out Of Every Audiobook
Audiobooks are ideal for absorbing information quickly and conveniently, even on the go. You can listen to audiobooks while performing simple household tasks or during your commute. Alternatively, you can find a quiet place to sit and fully concentrate on the audiobook.
What Types of Books Are Suitable as Audiobooks?
One of the most effective ways to benefit from an audiobook is to listen while simultaneously reading the corresponding text. This allows you to absorb information through two different channels, which enhances retention. This technique is especially helpful with texts in a foreign language, as it increases comprehension while also giving you a chance to practice correct pronunciation.
When listening to an audiobook without the corresponding text, it’s best to select relatively easy-to-understand audiobooks. Audiobooks that you plan to listen to regularly, such as biographies, stories, motivational books, or personal development books, are particularly well-suited to this format.
How to Retain the Key Points of an Audiobook
Be sure to take notes on the content of the audiobook, whether on paper or digitally. If you’re on the go, it’s practical to make notes on your smartphone. Set up a program or app on your phone, like Evernote or the pre-installed text editor, where you can quickly and easily jot down notes on the audiobook. Choose a program that suits you and organize a folder structure that enables you to quickly access notes related to specific audiobooks. For instance, create a folder named “Audiobooks” and add subfolders for different subject areas. Within each subject area, create a new entry for each audiobook.
If you’re listening to an audiobook while driving and can’t immediately make notes, use memory techniques to remember the important points until you can write them down. The loci method is particularly suitable for this purpose.
It’s also helpful to pause the audiobook periodically to reflect on what you’ve just heard. Mentally review the content and summarize it in writing if needed. Reflect on the material, considering what you can learn from it and how you might apply it in your own life.
Additionally, you should mark key passages of the audiobook. You could set a bookmark, note the timestamp, or even record and save the excerpt for future reference.
Accelerate…
To save time, you can listen to audiobooks at double speed. You’ll quickly adapt to the faster pace and still be able to comprehend everything. Additionally, if you’re reading a book while listening to the audiobook at an accelerated speed, this can help you increase your reading pace as well.
