What do I really need to get by in French?

What is the key to speaking French? 

Some might say passion, some might say hard work, some might say immersion....

What do you actually need to get by in French? 

We are not talking about fluency here, just some good old fashioned basic French that will be good enough to get you through your next trip and will allow you to enjoy the amazing gratification that connecting with the locals can be.

You can do it, I promise. 

Here are what you truly really need to get there...I promise it's not that bad.

1) Master the sounds

Do not worry about your accent but work right away on your pronunciation. Listen, say it, repeat, and then do it again.

Speak from day 1. Do not wait until you're better, until you know more vocabulary, until you have been to classes.  

2) Basic tenses

Learn and understand the most important 5 tenses and some common verbs.

4 or 5 tenses will allow you to speak of any situation. The present, the futur proche, the passé composé, and a few bits and pieces of conditionnel. That's it!

3) Speak from day 1.

Leave the fear behind, you know the sound now just go for it. Speak to yourself, speak to your dog, speak to the French persons working near you....just speak!

4) Have a template.

This is my favourite hack, fake it until you make it! Have a whole list of ready made basic sentences and questions you can use in every situation. Just fill in with your own words. Create your own phrase book with sentences you know you will use.

5) Learn vocabulary in situation.

So much easier than learning randomly. Use and learn vocabulary as you need it. At the bakery, if you have special needs, if you are a art lover, a shopper.....

6) Throw yourself.

The French will love it and will help you perfect your pronunciation, they might even show you new words and expressions...it's worth it and it will kick start your desire to improve for your next trip. 

Voila, it doesn't have to be perfect.

ps...Join the French Hack mailing list to be invited to lots of free events, such as Masterclasses held on Zoom.