Today I listened to a podcast and the topic was how to start a conversation with a stranger. The sample dialogue took place at a community book club. While I was listening to it, I tried to take dictation.
Here’s the sample dialogue.
A: Hi, are you here for the book club?
B: Yeah, you too?
A: Welcome. Is this your first time here?
B: Yes, it is.
A: I’m happy you joined us. My name is Mike.
B: Nice to meet you, Mike. I’m Patricia, but you can call me paty.
A: Ok, Paty. Nice to meet you,too.
So, what brings you to the book club?
B: Well, I’m new in town and I thought it would be a good way to motivate me to read some books
and also meet some like minded people at the same time.
A: Killing two birds with one stone. Nice!
B: Yeah, what about you? Are you from here?
A: Born and raised. I’m a counselor at Central High School.
B: That’s great. I’m kind of in between jobs right now, but I’m working at a coffee shop part time
while I look for something.
A: Perfect. Did you read the book we’re supposed to discuss tonight?
B: I did. It was little.....
A: Wait,wait,wait. Hold that thought for the meeting.
Speaking of which, I think we’re supposed to get started any moment now.
Should we grab a seat?
B: Yeah, let’s do it.
I think dictation is also a good method to study a foreign language.
I agree! It can be very time-consuming, but it's a good way to learn constructions.
This is great Anne! Dictation is a very good way to learn :)
Transcribing dictation is an excellent way to learn. It improves your listening and your writing skills. I recommend a foot pedal and an audio player like express scribe. Then you can record anything you want to transcribe and use your foot pedal to listen and re-listen, as often as you need to, while you type it out.