Hi Mike! I would say... 1) Start with the basics and gradually increase the difficulty. I suggest you start with simpler, clearer audio materials designed specifically for Spanish learners. There are some apps (I don't know if I write them here maybe I'll be banned) like Bee l i n g u app, that help you reading and listening with short stories, so that's a good practice. Ling Q is also another good tool. You can also practice with podcasts that include transcriptions (I have my podcast channel on Italki, for example). 2) Repeat and listen actively (not just passively), because just listening is not enough. So if you can reproduce the sound you'll understand it better next time. 3) Also watching youtube channels for Spanish learners that include transcriptions will be very helpful. Good luck in your learning journey!

As a student and teacher, I agree with Chris. I recommend a similar method to all my students and friends. You definitely need to find text with audio. It can be content like Chris mentioned or it can be something from TedED - the official website, not the YouTube channel - because they have written transcripts to go along with the videos. Podcasts with transcripts...there are so many options out there. My only strong recommendation is to make sure that the content is something that truly interests you. You shouldn't try to focus on topics or vocabulary that aren't relevant to your life or interests. You will stay motivated if you care about the content. This will also help you "speed up" your listening. In the beginning, every new language sounds super fast, but after using this method for a while, you will notice a big difference in how fast or slowly you feel people are speaking. For many people, the visual aspect of learning needs to go with listening in order for us to really wrap our heads around communication in another language. Don't give up. This method really works.

I am both a teacher and a student. I highly recommend audio books at appropriate levels. As a learning technique, my students read simplified books (levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and native teenager) in three steps: read a chapter while listening to the recording, then reread the chapter for full understanding, and finally listen to the chapter again with the book closed. Partial listening comprehension is acceptable and improves with practice. After five books at a given level, most students are ready to advance to the next level. Also, I can recommend an excellent teacher, if you are looking for a teacher.

Mike: Mucho gusto, te invito a que conozcas mi perfil, será un placer para mi ayudarte a mejorar tu español 😊. Daisy Muñoz.