My 4-Step Framework for Learning With Audiobooks

Summary

This video outlines a four-step method with eight tips for efficiently learning from audiobooks. It discusses the benefits of audiobooks over physical books, including speed, quick sampling, and multitasking. The steps cover intention, selection, consumption, and processing, with advice on speed listening, note-taking, and abandoning books that don't hold interest.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The speaker has listened to over 165 audiobooks, which have significantly improved their learning efficiency.
• 📚 The debate between listening to audiobooks and reading physical books is seen as missing the point; audiobooks should complement reading habits, not replace them.
• 🔊 Audiobooks can be listened to at faster speeds, allowing for quicker consumption of content, with the speaker often listening at triple the normal speed.
• 🚀 Audiobooks facilitate quick sampling, allowing listeners to decide whether to invest in a physical book after listening.
• 🔄 They reduce friction by enabling multitasking, such as listening while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.
• 📈 The speaker's workflow for learning from audiobooks includes intention, selection, consumption, and processing.
• 🤔 Intention involves determining the purpose of listening to an audiobook, whether for pleasure or efficient learning.
• 🛒 Selection is about casting a wide net for potential books to listen to but applying a narrow filter to decide which ones are worth a full listen.
• 👂 Consumption tips include choosing the right multitasking activity, adjusting listening speed for comprehension, and recognizing when to stop if the mind wanders.
• 📝 Processing involves taking notes, which can be done through bookmarking, pausing to write, or using dictation tools like on an Apple Watch.
• 📖 For deep learning, purchasing the physical or Kindle version of the book can be beneficial, along with summarizing the content through videos or writing.
• 🌐 Nebula is mentioned as a platform for exclusive content, including the speaker's workflow series on note-taking from books and audiobooks.

Q & A

How many audiobooks has the speaker listened to over the last few years?

The speaker has listened to over 165 audiobooks.

What is the speaker's perspective on the debate between listening to audiobooks and reading physical books?

The speaker believes that the debate misses the point and that audiobooks should be seen as a complement to physical books rather than a substitute.

According to the speaker, how can audiobooks be faster than reading physical books?

The speaker mentions that audiobooks can be listened to at faster speeds, such as three times the normal speed, reducing the time it takes to consume the content.

What is the concept of 'quick sampling' as mentioned by the speaker?

Quick sampling refers to the idea of listening to an audiobook before deciding to purchase the physical or digital version, potentially saving time if the book is not of interest.

How does the speaker utilize audiobooks to reduce friction in their life?

The speaker uses audiobooks for multitasking during activities like commuting, exercising, and doing household chores, times when they would otherwise be listening to music or nothing at all.

What are the four main steps in the speaker's workflow for learning from audiobooks?

The four main steps are intention, selection, consumption, and processing.

What does the speaker suggest as the intention behind listening to an audiobook?

The intention could be for pleasure or for efficient learning, depending on the purpose of listening to the audiobook.

How does the speaker approach the selection of audiobooks for learning?

The speaker suggests casting a wide net by getting many recommendations and then applying a narrow filter by deciding within the first half hour if the book is worth the time.

What are the speaker's tips for efficiently consuming audiobooks?

The tips include choosing the right multitasking activity, adjusting the listening speed for comfort and absorption, recognizing when the mind wanders, and guilt-free abandonment of a book if it's not engaging.

How does the speaker handle the challenge of taking notes from audiobooks?

The speaker takes notes using their phone or the draughts app on their Apple Watch, and later transfers these notes to a more permanent location like Apple Notes. They may also purchase the book in physical or Kindle format for easier note-taking.

What is the speaker's method for ensuring they truly learn from a book?

The speaker summarizes the book by writing an email newsletter, a tweet thread, or making a Book Club video, which helps in explaining the content to others and solidifying their understanding.

What is Nebula and how is it related to the speaker's content?

Nebula is an independent streaming platform created by the speaker and other creators, where they can share niche content, including the speaker's exclusive workflow series about taking notes from books and audiobooks.

How can viewers access Nebula and the speaker's exclusive content?

Viewers can sign up for Curiosity Stream, a documentary streaming platform, which offers a bundle deal with Nebula for less than $15 a year, granting access to both platforms.

What is the speaker's stance on speed listening to audiobooks?

The speaker is in favor of speed listening, adjusting the speed to a level that is fast but still comfortable for absorbing information effectively.

How does the speaker categorize the non-fiction books they listen to for learning?

The speaker categorizes them into self-help books, general interest books, and deep learning books, each requiring a different listening speed and level of engagement.

What is the speaker's advice on multitasking while listening to audiobooks?

The speaker advises choosing a multitasking activity that can be done on autopilot, ensuring that the cognitive focus remains on the audiobook rather than the task at hand.