Hi, I’m Elvira, a polyglot living in Finland and raising a multilingual child. I’ve been bilingual since birth and have been learning three foreign languages (an ongoing process) for over two decades.
I’ve tried nearly every language-learning technique out there, and I can confidently say that the ones I’m sharing here are the most effective for improving your speaking skills.
Speaking a foreign language means you’ve already built some vocabulary and learned basic grammar. As you progress, it’s important to start using those skills in conversation as soon as possible, especially if speaking fluently is your goal.
I’ll be honest with you—not every speaking practice method I mention will fit every life situation, but they are definitely effective when applied.
SPEAKING CLUB / LANGUAGE EXCHANGE MEETUP
Let’s start with an obvious one.
A speaking club is a safe, low-pressure environment to get started. Typically led by one or more native speakers, it’s a place where you can practice your speaking skills with others who share the same goal.
When I was 16, I joined an English-speaking club led by Americans in my hometown in south-eastern Latvia. They encouraged us to speak, which was rare in Latvian schools at the time.
I was a shy teenager, eager to learn English, and there were no other chances to practice with native speakers.
Today, you can find online language clubs for any interest or goal. They might not be free, but they’re a great way to break the ice and start speaking!
The same goes for language exchange meetups. The key is finding a native speaker of the language you’re learning who also wants to learn the language you speak. Ideally, both of you should be at a similar skill level.
I’ve had these types of exchanges with a Polish speaker learning Russian, and we had a lot of fun. We would often meet in interesting places, like art galleries, and while exploring the exhibitions, we’d help each other with language practice.
If there are no active language exchange groups meeting up in your area, be the one who starts one!
STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
By the time I went on my Erasmus student exchange to Łódź, Poland in 2009, I could speak both English and Polish fairly well, but I still lacked fluency and daily practice.
The international student environment was the perfect place to actively use my skills. There was no judgment or evaluation of how well you spoke—just an authentic opportunity to learn from and with each other.
While living among international students doesn’t guarantee you’ll learn perfect English, it forces you to use your speaking skills, which naturally leads to improved fluency. If you’re learning a language other than English, consider joining an exchange programme in a country where that language is spoken. Once you’re there, immerse yourself in various activities that allow you to meet locals and practice speaking the language.
When I went to Poland, I regularly attended music gigs or joined my mentor in any activities she suggested. As I mentioned, I already spoke Polish, but meeting new people was always an opportunity to pick up more vocabulary and improve my skills.
VOLUNTARY PROJECT
There are tons of volunteer project opportunities out there—you just need to decide what field interests you or which country you’d like to explore. As a former volunteer and later a coordinator for annual volunteer projects within the European Solidarity Corps’ youth mobility initiative for six years, I can’t emphasize enough the incredible opportunities this program provides.
You can read more about ESC voluntary opportunity here.
During the project, participants are offered at least 20 hours of language courses in the local language. However, in most cases, communication with co-volunteers and anyone involved in the project is done in English.
I’ve witnessed remarkable progress in English with every volunteer: from barely speaking at first to becoming a confident language user by the end of the project.
How so? It’s because you’re placed in an environment that isn’t centered around your language progress like in a classroom. Instead, you’re simply living life and contributing to a project that likely aligns with your interests. It’s a more natural way to pick up the language without the pressure of lessons and tests.
HITCH-HIKING
Hitchhiking, by nature, involves getting rides from strangers, so it’s definitely not for everyone. I firmly believe that a successful hitchhiker needs certain traits to handle all the ups and downs that come with it.
That being said, I used to be an avid hitchhiker for over a decade, most of the time hitching rides internationally—both solo and with a travel buddy. I absolutely loved the experience because meeting new people and hearing their life stories is one of my favourite things.
Most drivers who pick up hitchhikers are open to chatting, making it an amazing way to meet people you’d never cross paths with otherwise, and a great chance to practice speaking in different languages!
I’ve travelled extensively throughout Poland, and it’s fascinating to hear how the language varies from region to region. It’s such an incredible way to deepen your language skills.
One of the ideas still on my bucket list is hitchhiking all the way to Lapland, crossing Finland and speaking only Finnish along the way. I’m convinced that doing this would take my Finnish to the next level!
COUCHSURFING
Couchsurfing is all about offering a traveller a place to stay at your home for free. Unlike traditional accommodations, you’re staying in someone’s actual home, sharing space with your host.
Like hitchhiking, it’s an alternative way to meet interesting people on your travels. I’ve had the chance to both host and surf in various places and countries. I started hosting travelers while still living with my mom in my hometown. It gave me the perfect opportunity to practice my English and Polish while showing them around. These experiences often lead to authentic, spontaneous, and culturally enriching conversations, sometimes even life-long friendships.
CUSTOMER SERVICE JOB
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Start before you’re ready!”
This definitely applies when it comes to practicing your foreign language skills through a customer service job.
Yes, you’ll make mistakes. Yes, you’ll get weird looks and feel embarrassed. Yes, there will be misunderstandings. But guess what? Your language skills will grow twice as fast!
I knew a Finnish language student in her fifties who just couldn’t learn in a classroom setting. The books and writing exercises to practice new grammar rules didn’t work for her. Everything changed during our three-week work practise, which focused on learning the language through hands-on experience.
She got a job at a local retail shop, and guess what? She started speaking Finnish! It turns out that the best way to improve your speaking skills is through real, spontaneous communication, rather than just drilling grammar rules and memorizing flashcards.
Years later, I followed her example by running my own village store and café. By that point, I was in my third year of learning Finnish and still lacking speaking practice.
It turns out that when you have to speak because customers expect it, you naturally find a way to make it happen!
The sense of urgency really activates your brain more than just practicing speaking in a group of other students.
DATING A NATIVE
Well, I have taken full advantage of this method without knowing where it would lead me.
It turns out that my love language is… Polish. I’ve only ever said “I love you” (kocham cię) in Polish 🙂
I know plenty of people whose partners don’t speak their language or they don’t provide much support with learning it.
Dating a native doesn’t equal free teacher or 100% support. But if you’re lucky enough to be learning a language while being cheered on by a native-speaking partner, your progress will likely skyrocket!
I think my partners found it easy to support my journey in learning Polish because I was so motivated and eager myself. None of them had to convince me—I was all in! I’d ask them questions about whatever I was curious about, and they’d always help me out with answers.
Learning a language while being in a relationship with a native speaker is incredibly powerful—you’ve got a built-in tutor who genuinely cares about you, and you’re immersed directly into their family, culture, and all its nuances. No book or language course can offer that depth of experience.
Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone. I’ve been learning Finnish for nine years now, and I’ve done it without a native-speaking partner or a dedicated friend by my side. Instead, I seize every opportunity to learn through daily conversations, and I’ve built a broad network of native speakers to help me along the way.
What is your unobvious way to practise speaking the language?
If you find this article useful, consider buying me a coffee! Your support keeps the ideas flowing! 🙂
