폭탄영어 offers the best way to practice English conversation and “feel” real English. But you may wonder – why? How should I use this show and its materials? Here’s what we suggest:

1) Listen to the show on the web, or download the MP3 to your computer directly (there is a link called “Download” on the right side of the player).

2) Read the transcript while the show plays (through the web site or you can download an MS Word file). Then you can see what we are saying, even if you don’t understand everything. That’s OK!

3) Find the words or phrases you don’t understand. If you need help with something difficult, just ask the question as a comment to the episode’s post. Also, if you see comments of others, and you know the answer, write it as a comment, too. HELP EACH OTHER! Individually, there are many things we don’t know; as a group, we know everything. Then each show will be a resource, and all of our energy together will make it easier on the show’s hosts. But we will also participate in the forums – don’t worry!

4) After completely understanding the transcript, listen to the show naturally and just “feel” the conversation. Listen to the rhythm, the pronunciation, the way our pitch changes in the sentence, the details. ENJOY the flow of the conversation, and respond in your mind to what we are saying. What do you think? How would you respond?

5) Remember that this is new media. Use the PAUSE button. If there is something you want to respond to, pause and imagine what you’d say in your mind. Or say it out loud. (If you do this on the subway or bus, people might move away from you, though! ㅋㅋ) And this isn’t TV or radio – you can pause and continue later, remember!

Unlike real “free talking,” sometimes the conversation goes too fast, or you miss a word or phrase, or you are busy listening while you are also trying to make a sentence in your head. Of course, real free talking has its advantages, but using this podcast method does, too.

You have the chance to catch what was being said again. You have a transcript, so you can look up words and phrases and then get a second chance. Or a third. Or fourth. And you can always pause the conversation to give yourself a moment to think.

And it’s all free, and can go in your pocket – just save the MP3 and copy to you cellphone, Cowon, Yepp, or iRiver player. Or subscribe to the podcast through Apple’s iTunes. Or just listen to it from the web site directly.

Isn’t this a great method and tool?

Yes, we think so, too.

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