4 keys to get conversational in Chinese

If you want to start having Chinese conversations, it starts with Daily Listening (Active & Passive).

The key is listening to native speech, not curated audio made for language learners.

Listen actively to learn colloquial phrases, vocabulary, conjunctions, and filler words that are hard to get from audio made for language learners.

But listening is more than just learning words.

Passive listening helps you get accustomed to tone & pronunciation patterns, different accents, natural contractions, speech cadence and pacing, and the faster speed in native speech.

Make it immersive.

When it comes to listening, passive exposure is as crucial as active listening.

Most of us don’t have time to be actively studying for hours a day.

This is why passive listening is so powerful. I can study during dead times throughout the day and learn for hours without trying.

2. Daily Speaking Practice

You're in a dark hallway and there's a diamond at the end.

Two guides offer to take you to that diamond.

Guide A says "just walk straight and you'll get there."

Guide B turns his flashlight on and shows you the way.

Guide B will get you there faster because all you have to do is look and follow. No guessing.

It’s the same with speaking. When you start speaking, you need structure. You need someone to copy.

Practice speaking by copying native speakers.

Copy both what they say and how they say it (tones and pronunciation).

This is what babies do all the time to learn languages. They copy and mimic other people.

Adults can do this too.

3. Feedback

A learner who makes mistakes alone tends to continue to make the same mistakes.

But a learner who makes mistakes with feedback tends to fix their mistakes.

Feedback is key to fixing bad habits and refining your speech (vocabulary, tones, pronunciation).

It’s the difference between just speaking and sounding like a native speaker.

4. Consistent Practice

A learner at rest tends to stay at rest.

But a learner in motion tends to stay in motion.

Regular practice builds momentum. Momentum leads to progress, and progress keeps you motivated.

Without consistency, it's easy to get into a rut and give up.

Daily practice sessions, even if short, create a habit.

This habit leads to sustained progress over time.

In June, I’ll help 9 learners optimize your study plan 1-on-1 with me in the Chinese Speakers Community so you cover all 4 key components.

The goal is simple: get you conversational so you can talk to Chinese speakers with confidence.

It’s easy to get started for just $100 (I can only take 9 learners).

The community opens on June 3rd.

(I’ll close access when the 9 spots are filled or on June 3rd, whichever comes first.)

But if you want to save your spot, reply “save" and I'll remind you on June 1.

加油,

Danyo