One of the most difficult aspects of learning a language is beginning to use it. Even if you can understand what you read or follow a podcast without any problems, speaking is really different. This is because there is a significant difference between understanding a language and being able to produce it. 

That doesn't mean you need to know every word in the dictionary and every grammar rule before you speak. Languages don't work like that. If you wait until you "feel ready" to start talking, you risk never doing it. The key is to learn to speak with the vocabulary you already have, no matter how limited it may be.

It's best to start speaking as soon as you can form the first phrases with the basic vocabulary and grammar you've learned. Don't put off starting, even if you don't have someone to talk to, you can practice on your own.

Now, let's look at some useful tips to do it.

If you are just starting out, it will be more difficult for you to speak in your target language because you probably don’t have enough vocabulary for a long speech. At that level, if you speak without support, you risk making the same mistakes over and over again.

So take it step by step. Create short phrases with new words or repeat simple dialogues from videos to practice. Easy Languages has useful videos for beginners that show simple, useful phrases. Keep it simple with sentences like "There is an apple on the table" or "I have two dogs." It doesn't have to be complex.

You'll improve at your own pace in a natural way because you'll be used to using those words.

Get creative when speaking. Name the actions you perform, the objects you use and your feelings. This will help you identify the vocabulary you need.

Once you can express yourself, but need to improve your vocabulary or fluency, combine input with speaking practice. 

Decide on a type of vocabulary to focus on this week, then look for content that includes it. Pay attention to what you read or listen to, then talk about it out loud right after. Use the new words and expressions when speaking. It will then be easier for you to speak about daily topics and describe your routine.

Try not to do this while doing something else. It’s important to concentrate on the input, so find a moment to dedicate to it. You don't need much time. If you spend ten minutes with the content and then another ten minutes speaking, you can accomplish something useful in twenty minutes each day.

You don't need to find a lot of videos or readings. Choose a couple and use spaced repetition to memorize the vocabulary. 

Finally, at all levels, you can look for help from native speakers (language exchange) or a language tutor who can help you understand the structure of the language or practice with guided conversations.

When I was learning French, I had a hard time speaking because I didn't know what to say. The words wouldn’t come out of my mouth. Until I solved my problem of lack of vocabulary and inspiration to talk by using input as a source of words and expressions to speak. Then I applied this to my Italian studies and improved faster by using what I learned right away.

So try these exercises and start talking now!!

If you want to speed up your fluency by talking to native tutors, I recommend using Preply. By signing up through this link, you will receive an automatic 30% discount on your very first lesson in any language and teacher. Make sure you register by clicking directly on this link so that the system can automatically apply the downgrade:

Good luck!