I like to compare learning a language to a journey. First, there’s the preparation phase… Then one day, you decide to take the plunge! Even though you’re not 100% ready, you go for it anyway. Well, it’s the same when it comes to mastering the most romantic language in the world 😉. My students often ask me, “how can I improve my French speaking skills?”
My answer is very simple, yet highly effective: speak as much as you can. Practicing French conversation regularly is key. And here’s why.
Develop your best Parisian accent by practicing French conversation regularly
Like a toddler learning to talk, we improve our pronunciation by mimicking. Babies are lucky their brains are so powerful! They are like little sponges, absorbing everything around them… Language included.
Unfortunately, as adults, our brains take much longer to process a new language. But it’s still possible and can happen surprisingly quickly. The best recipe? Surround yourself with French speakers and join conversations as much as possible.
By gradually adopting the same intonation, gestures and “shadowing” your language buddy, your pronunciation will naturally become more fluid. The whole process can happen almost unconsciously… And before you know it, you catch yourself one day saying “putain!” with your best Parisian accent. Pretty magical, right?
Connect with native speakers and learn about Francophone culture
Here’s another great thing about engaging with French speakers: you get to meet people from different backgrounds and… Have interesting conversations! And this goes whether you’re talking to Francophones or learners like yourself.
To speak French, you don’t necessarily have to travel to France! (Even though that’s the best way to get to know our culture 😉). No time to go overseas? No worries, Melbourne is full of native French speakers - like myself! - who’d be happy to chat and share their culture.
If you’re practicing with non-native French speakers, that’s great too! It can even be less intimidating to talk to learners on the same level as you. You’ll also get to extend your social circle and open your mind. Think about it: people who learn a foreign language often share a will to broaden their horizons. And don’t we all want cool open-minded friends? 🙂
Improve your fluency by making mistakes early on
What if I told you that making mistakes while speaking is actually a good thing? It’s in fact an essential part of your learning journey. The more you practice the language of Timothée Chalamet, the more confidence you build.
At first you might feel a bit silly: it can be so frustrating not being able to express exactly what you mean. Trust me, I’ve been there. But the truth is, that feeling is all in your head! Making linguistic errors shows that you're on a learning curve… Which actually means you’re pretty smart.
Let’s go back to the toddler comparison 👶: have you ever watched a child learning to walk? They fall again and again, but never give up. Eventually one day they stop crawling for good. Well, it’s the same with learning a language: you’ll make mistakes again and again… But that’s exactly how you improve.
Feel free to make as many mistakes as you like while chatting with our online French tutor team. We can help you spot recurring errors and correct them... And one day, you’ll realise you no longer struggle with tricky words like “mille-feuille”!
See how far you’ve come in mastering the language of Molière
Engaging in regular conversations in French is the best way to track your progress. It’s also the most enjoyable part because it goes beyond theory! You finally have the opportunity to apply everything you’ve learnt in class, with one goal in mind: fostering meaningful conversations. Pretty cool, right?
With regular French oral practice, you’ll gradually become more fluent. Not only do you get to apply what you’ve learnt, but you also pick up new vocabulary in more informal ways… Making the learning process richer and funnier! You’ll find that memorising new expressions gets easier because you’re using them in context.
Over time, you’ll see that speaking becomes more natural, and what once seemed challenging will soon become automatic. Already an experienced speaker? Engaging in frequent, casual exchanges is also a great way to maintain your French level while continuing to grow. After all, learning is a lifelong journey! 💪
➡️ Hey there, looking to practice French conversation regularly in Melbourne? Join a fun and supportive group here, at Kathleen Syme Library, in Carlton!
Discover your French personality!
Did you know that your personality can shift when you switch between languages? Several studies have revealed that polyglots develop different mindsets depending on which language they use. From nonverbal communication to the way we think and act, developing our linguistic skills can literally reshape our personality.
If you’ve watched the series Emily in Paris - Just don’t tell anyone I’m a big fan! - you probably know what I mean. In the show, the main character, an American woman named Emily, gets a job offer in Paris and starts a new life in the City of Love (which is quite different from what most Parisians experience 😂).
As the story unfolds, her outlook on life gradually changes. For example, she becomes more relaxed in her approach to work and starts taking long lunch breaks with her colleagues - a sacred national tradition!
With each conversation you have, you’re one step closer to chatting with Céline Dion in her mother tongue! Remember, your brain is working in your favour every time you get out of your comfort zone - even when you feel like you haven’t made any progress. As long as you’re trying, you’re already winning.
So… That’s probably the most important advice I can give to French learners! And if you don’t know where to start, you’re welcome to send me a message. I’ll be happy to read it! You can also have a look at our French conversation groups, here in Melbourne.
➡️ You want some French speaking tips? Subscribe to my newsletter, I help you boost your oral skills! 😃🚀
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