Аннотация: When the learners are asked what they find to be the greatest challenge when listening, many reports being unable to identify the individual words that were said when they heard people speaking. They are reporting a common issue for those encountering authentic spoken English. In part, this problem stems from the nature of language input in the classroom: typically, a clear and intelligible model of spoken language that does not reflect the reality of spontaneously produced speech. Additionally, learners lack exposure to a variety of speech events. Therefore, learners are unprepared for real-world encounters with spoken language. This uncomfortable reality of current teaching listening practice means that listening is described by some as the “neglected skill”. Thus, the aim of this paper is to prepare the learners for encounters with spoken English outside of the classroom by developing their listening skills when listening to anecdotes.