By
eHow Culture & Society Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Learn How to Speak French Quickly
Step1
Watch French language videos to see and hear the correct way to pronounce words in French. This will help you get a flow for conversation when speaking directly to a French speaker.
Step2
Listen to audio tapes in French. Listening to a tape, without being able to see a person, helps you focus more clearly on the words being used and the sounds they make.
Step3
Role play with other French speakers or those learning French, either in a class or on your own. Ask them questions and see if you can understand their answers. Role play certain situations to have an idea of what questions you may need to ask. For example, learn how to ask if anyone speaks English.
Common Phrases for Communication Difficulties
Step1
Ask if anyone speaks English.
"Parlez-vous Anglais?" Do you speak English?
"Est-ce qu'il y a quelqu'un que parle Anglais?" Does anyone here speak English?
Step2
Let others know if you understand what they're saying.
"Je comprends." I understand.
"Je n'ai pas compris." I don't understand.
"Avez-vous compris?" Did you understand that?
Step3
When you're not understanding something clearly, ask for clarification.
"Pourriez-vous parler plus lentement?" Could you speak more slowly please?
"Pourriez-vous repeter, s'il vous plait?" Could you repeat that, please?
"Pourriez-vous l'ecrire, s'il vous plait?" Could you write that down for me, please?