Speaking speed

Question

Hello, I appreciate the speed at which these exercises are read; it allows me to follow along and train my ears to pickup words during PURE listening.

Question: my weakest skill is listening comprehension during a conversational speech at a standard rate. What tips do you advise me to understand better native speakers speaking at normal speed?

Thank you for your anticipated answer and this resource

Accepted Answer

Hola APIPMARTIALART
I understand how you feel, it takes quite some time to master conversation with native speakers when you're with them in gatherings, with music in the background and crossover conversations, and you may feel frustrated. I can only say that the best thing is to get out there and get immersed in these daily activities if you are living in a Spanish speaking country, the more the better, and be patient. I've been in the UK for 20 years and I still get a bit lost sometimes when there are certain jokes told or lots of slang used that I haven't come across, or there's someone with a tricky accent from the north for example. 
Apart from this, there are lots of resources out there that can help you develop your listening and speaking skills. Here are a few things that will guide you through the different suggestions we have in one of the very useful articles from Laura. They offer you ideas and resources:
Spanish listening links 
Spanish news sources (podcasts, radio, TV)
There is also the possibility to do some online conversation classes with professional native speakers. Check Lingua Talk here. 
Also read some tips and pieces of advice from other students - our fantastic regular contributor Clara is giving Clay (similar question to yours) some very good tips here in the forum.
All this regular practice will pay off, and when you least expect it you will get immerse in more deep and long conversations with native speakers for sure. 
Good luck with your practice!
Un saludo cordial 
Inma