Remove barriers between you and the person talking to you. Turn off the television and silence any other background noise, and stop other activities, such as reading or working on the computer. Lack of attention causes the loss of much information.
Listen to a long conversation from start to end and try to summarize in your mind the basic points of each speaker. You can do this during discussions with friends or during talk shows on television. This illustrates the importance of focusing on a speech for an extended time.
Tune in to a speech on television but do not watch the speaker for the first five minutes. Focus only on what you can hear. When you begin looking at the speaker, you will recognize the importance of facial expressions and body language in facilitating listening comprehension.
Argue any issue with a knowledgeable friend or relative. Listen to the speech carefully and try to spot weaknesses or arguments you can dispute. Don't be disappointed if you cannot do it easily at first. As with every listening skill, you must practice constantly to reach a high level.
Predict what is coming next in a speech when listening to a person whose way of thinking you know something about, such as a close relative or friend. It is a difficult technique that takes a long time to master, as you have to listen to what is being said while simultaneously imagining what might follow.