How to bridge the gap between my reading and listening competence?

[Joël YAO]

Salut, tout le monde,

I apologize to ask this very general, ill-defined question. Like many English speakers, I can read French and even write French reasonably well. But I find it really difficult to improve my listening skills, especially in every day setting among French colleagues. 

Of course practice makes perfect. Besides that, anyone also struggling with this problem and/or have suggestions, e.g. books, methods, reflections? 

Merci d'avance! 

[George Hunt]

Perhaps this thread is of use to you?

http://www.forum.french-linguistics.co.uk/forum/topics/converstion-...

Would you listen to any videos on Youtube? 

[Joël YAO]

Thanks, George! :)

Yes, sometimes I watched youtube videos and I also found TV5MONDE. 

But I really need to improve my listening and speaking abilities quickly for my job.

I guess there is no shortcut... 

[George Hunt]

When I was at school  a friend  of mine got a job in a French restaurant... but he was waiting to go to University and  so was free.

[Tymon Cameron]

I understand your problem; I'm trying to improve my listening skills as well which is fairly hard to do in the United States. I just returned from my first trip to France and I can honestly say nothing compares to being in-person and listening to French.

But in the meantime, you can go to "listentofrench.org" or "sonsenfrancais.org". There are a ton of videos on there.

Also, although more tedious and a bit costly if you sign up, download "Graboid Video" and search for French films.

You could also download ZiggyTV and download French movies(it's anything you can find on Youtube essentially).

Also, you should really practice on your own pronunciation. If you pronounce something incorrectly, you'll listen for a pronunciation that doesn't exist and you won't recognize a word you already know.

Or, go to France. It's expensive, but plan a trip. You'll love it and you'll get more than enough practice; you'll be sick of French by the time you leave.

GOOD LUCK!!

[Joël YAO]

Thanks, Tymon. You are absolutely right. I think listening and speaking to native speakers would help tremendously .  Thanks for all the sites recommended as well.