How to Use Anki with the RealLife Radio Transcript

Welcome to the RealLife Radio Connected Speech ANKI FLASHCARD Guide. Creating a simple daily habit of using Anki Flashcards is one of the most powerful changes you can make for your English learning.

We love Anki so much that we decided to create an Anki Vocabulary Learning Resource for each Connected Speech Lesson with 30 Advanced Terms (Phrasal Verbs, Idioms, Slang, and Connected Speech Examples– all including pronunciation).

The purpose of this page is to show you how to install it, access your RealLife Radio resources, and install it on your mobile device(s).

Anki flashcards is, for the most part, a very simple and easy-to-use program, but for some users (and on some occasions) there are complications. As we talk about in the instructions below, we recommend you first create an account on their website, and then download the application, as almost every user can find MANY convenient moments throughout their day to use it. Some examples of our favorite times to use it are when waiting for/riding public transport, in line at the store or elsewhere, and while waiting for that friend that always arrives late.

Note: On a very basic level, Anki is a simple, user-friendly program, but it is so sophisticated, with so many possible features, that you can customize it as much as you want. This document will cover the basics, but check out the Anki User’s Manual for more advanced options.

Anki Instructions

You will need to (a) Create an account with Anki, (b) download the desktop program, and (c) if you have a mobile device, download the application. You will find instructions below. If after reading this document you are still having problems, PLEASE E-MAIL US! Now let’s get started.

• Go to AnkiWeb and create an account. (it’s completely FREE)
• Download the Anki desktop program (also FREE)
• By the way, if you enjoy it, please show your support by giving the deck a 5-Star Review
• Watch the video below made by RealLife Guy, Ethan, who is the biggest Anki fan we know.

How to Use Anki

If you would like a more in-depth introduction to this resource (and tons of tips on how to use it), read the article Ethan wrote on Anki, The Secret Tool For Memorizing New Vocabulary

• To download it onto your mobile device, or as an application on your computer, scroll down to the bottom of this page and choose your systems settings.

Sync Your Anki on All Your Devices From Your Computer

It’s generally easier and more efficient to open the Anki file on your computer and sync it to all your mobile devices from your desktop. Here’s how to do it:

• Click on the Anki file we send you- usually in “.apkg” format (the anki desktop program should open automatically- make sure you’ve downloaded the free desktop program.)
• Synchronize it to your anki online account by clicking the synchronize button below (if you haven’t created the free account, create it here)
• After uploading the Anki Deck/File to your desktop and synchronizing it with your online account, you can then synchronize it from your online account to the Anki App on Your Mobile Device.

AnkiDroid Mobile App For Android

How to Sync Upload Your Anki File to Your AnkiDroid (Mobile Device)

Although it’s generally easier to open your anki and sync it to all your devices from your computer, there is an alternative method to open it on your android phone. Here’s how you do it: 1. Download the app ASTRO file manager: 2. Download the Anki file from your email 3. Open ASTRO and search for the anki file in the “recent” section (it should be the first one if you just downloaded it) 4. Click on it 5. It should automatically open with Anki 6. Anki will supply a message, click “Add” 7. Enjoy!

Anki Mobile App For Apple

Unfortunately the Anki Mobile App for iPhones costs $24.99 in the iTunes store. If you have an iPhone, despite it’s cost, however, it’s very convenient to study vocabulary anywhere you want. If you have an iPhone and would prefer not to buy it, the use of it on the website is still free. However, keep in mind that by purchasing it, you are supporting future development of Anki.

How to Build a Habit with Anki

Anki is such a simple and effective program, and it only takes a few minutes a day, but one of the challenges you might face is forming a daily habit. To build a habit, it helps to do it the same time every day, and it takes consistency. We recommend that you commit to using Anki for 30 days. Here’s an excellent article written by former RealLife Radio Host, Trevor, about habits: How to Guarantee Language Learning Success (30 Day Trial).

We also covered this in Podcast #46 (When we were testing the Connected Speech Lessons). Download the lesson here to listen and learn (It’s an old version so this one doesn’t have an Anki Vocabulary file).

We highly recommend that you watch this short video that talks about habit formation. If you’re interested in learning more about the Power of Habit, and you feel like challenging yourself with a native-speaker podcast then check out this dynamic interview of habit-expert, Charles Duhigg.