Summarize a speech
Listen to a speech. How many points did a speech contain? Summarise it orally immediately afterwards. Summarise in your own words, first in the same language then in a target language, start of summarising very briefly and in later sessions include more detail.
Speeches are never uninterrupted streams of information. They are always made up of sections. Either ones the speaker put in place when writing, or ones the listener, and the interpreter define themselves to make comprehension easier. Looking for, and finding these sections can be very reassuring as it breaks a speech down into much more managable parts.
Counting on your fingers
One person gives a relatively straightforward speech. The others count the logical links# in the speech on their fingers. Then one person gives a brief summary of the speech, counting of each part on their fingers as they go.
Speeches are never uninterrupted streams of information. They are always made up of sections. It is often logical links that create the bridge between these sections. Looking for, and finding these sections can be very reassuring as it breaks a speech down into much more managable parts.
Speech summary
Get a short video, or audio, presentation on a semi-technical subject, such as repairing an appliance, or an explanation of a scientific process. Listen without taking notes and try to recall and repeat the main points. (You’ll find good examples here http://www.khanacademy.org/ or on similar sites.) Repeat this exercise, but allow yourself to jot down a few key words. Again reproduce as much as possible.
Notice how this is easy for a technical area you are already familiar with and much more difficult for one you are not.