I just tried automatic writing (or more accurately automatic typing) and it's so much better for channeling than what I was doing before. I used to just meet with people on the astral and try as hard to listen to them as possible, but since I'm practically deaf on the astral when I'm awake I'd usually just get a vague intent with no audio. With automatic writing though the words come out very naturally and I can even get audio sometimes if I get into a good enough flow.