If you've been told you'll speak a language in 30 days, you've been lied to.
It depends on whether you have a natural talent for languages, or your mother is Finnish and your father Chinese. In that case, you might learn very quickly.
But if you're from this planet, you'll have to do a few things.
At least five.
And I guarantee that if you do some, or all, of them, you'll suffer far less when it comes to speaking another language.
If you're thinking one of them is Duolingo or eTalk, you can stop reading and go and watch TV or play cards.
If not, here they are.
1. Step out of your comfort zone
Building a foundation with study at home, books, films and music is fine.
But practice makes perfect.
Talking to people in another language stimulates the brain in a way no book can replicate. Look for conversation groups where you live. You're sure to find one.
2. Live with a family in the country whose language you want to learn
Fly to the country. For at least six months.
Rent a room and live with a family. Day-to-day life works wonders.
If your level is low, look for a family with children. You'll learn the vocabulary and expressions from the very beginning, just as they do.
And don't spend too much time with other Spanish or Italian speakers. In the end you won't make the most of the experience.
3. Work somewhere the language is used
That can be tricky if you don't have a certain level.
But if your level is intermediate and you've been hired, make the most of it. Make friends with the native speaker in the office. Buy them a coffee during the break now and then.
That's worth more than a hundred hours of class.
4. Go out with someone who speaks the language you want to learn
I have a friend who today speaks five languages completely fluently.
He's a very practical person. Every time he found himself single, he saw it as a chance to learn a language, so he'd try to meet women who were native speakers of it.
Obviously, it has to be a real relationship.
And besides, there's something lovely about wanting to learn the mother tongue of the person you love.
5. Language coaching
Traditional classes help a little. But they end up becoming a chore because of their outdated format.
Practical action and personalisation are the pillars of real learning.
What's the point of knowing the verb to be if you then lose heart in a business meeting because you didn't prepare effectively?
The language coaching we offer, one-to-one or in small groups, transforms learning session by session. It's tailor-made training for the company or the learner, online or face to face.
That's why the best language coaches have limited availability.
Frequently asked questions about how to speak a language quickly
How long does it really take to speak a language fluently?
It depends on the language, your starting point and how intensively you practise. With two coaching sessions a week and real practice outside them, noticeable changes appear within three to six months. Full fluency takes longer, but the confidence to use the language comes sooner.
Is it better to learn a language on your own or with a coach?
Both have their place. Self-study builds the foundation. Coaching speeds up real-world use and tackles the blocks that studying alone can't reach.
Does language coaching work for low levels, or only for intermediate and advanced learners?
It works at every level. The focus changes depending on the starting point, but the method of personalisation and real practice applies right from the start.
Are sessions online or in person?
Both options are available. They're equally effective.
For language coaching, get in touch here or call +34 650 276 885
P.S. To get in touch, see above.
Enjoy your day.