The secret to improving your spoken French

By Manon

Do you want to speak French fluently and feel at ease in conversation? Are you looking for the secret to improving your spoken French quickly? The good news is that there's a simple, effective method that you can practice anywhere, free of charge and super-easily. Today, I'm going to tell you what this not-so-secret method is, why it works so well, and how you can incorporate it into your routine for incredible results!

The Secret to Improving Your Spoken French: Shadowing

👉 A Simple but Powerful Technique

Shadowing is a learning method where you listen to a native speaker and repeat immediately after them, as if you were their shadow. That’s why it’s called "shadowing." You don’t need to understand everything at first; the goal is to mimic what you hear: the rhythm, pronunciation, intonation, and even the subtle nuances in how sentences are articulated.

Imagine: it’s a bit like singing your favorite songs. You might not understand every word right away, but by repeating them over and over, the sounds and phrases become familiar, and you’ll find yourself singing them naturally. That’s exactly what shadowing does for your spoken French.

🗝️ Why Is Shadowing So Effective for Spoken French?

Shadowing is one of the most effective methods for improving your spoken French because it works on several key skills simultaneously:

1️⃣ Pronunciation:

By repeating after a native speaker, you train yourself to produce sounds correctly, including the tricky rolled "r" or nasal sounds like in "pain" or "vin." You also learn to respect natural liaisons, which are crucial in French (for example: "les_z_enfants").

2️⃣ Rhythm and Stress:

French has a unique rhythm, often more fluid than other languages. With shadowing, you get used to this flow and learn not to pause randomly in sentences. You mimic the native speaker’s intonation, making your speech sound much more natural.

3️⃣ Fluency:

By repeating immediately after hearing, you develop the ability to speak spontaneously without overthinking each word. You reproduce entire phrases, and your brain gets used to their structure.

4️⃣ Auditory Memory:

With continuous listening and repetition, your brain memorizes sounds and expressions, allowing you to use them more naturally in conversations.

🛠️ How to Practice Shadowing Effectively?

Here are some simple steps to start integrating shadowing into your routine:

1️⃣ Choose the Right Content

To begin, go for simple sentences or short dialogues, like those in my free shadowing exercise playlist. These phrases are specifically designed to help you improve your pronunciation and intonation.

2️⃣ Listen Carefully

Before repeating, listen to the phrase multiple times to get familiar with the sounds, liaisons, and rhythm. The more attentive you are, the more precise your repetition will be.

3️⃣ Repeat Immediately

After each phrase or segment, pause and repeat aloud. Try to imitate exactly what you hear, even if it’s not perfect at first. The goal is to improve through practice.

4️⃣ Practice Regularly

Dedicate 5 to 10 minutes a day to shadowing. For example, do it while walking, cooking, or before bed. Consistency is key to seeing results.

5️⃣ Add Variations

For an advanced level, try imitating more complex dialogues or monologues. You can even play different roles in a conversation.

🚀 And After Shadowing? Practice in Real Conversations

Shadowing is great for training, but to progress even faster, you need to practice in real-life situations. Conversations with others allow you to apply what you’ve learned and receive direct feedback.

This is where Ohlala French Coffee comes in. With small groups led by native teachers, you can practice at your own pace, ask questions, and most importantly, speak without stress. Plus, you can try it for free with a 7-day trial, no commitment. So why wait?

👉Activate your free trial now!