Fun Ways to Practice Speaking Before You Arrive
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Dreaming of starting a new life abroad? Whether you're planning to move to the Czech Republic or any other country, learning the local language is one of the most important steps in making a smooth transition. But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be boring or stressful! The secret? Turn language practice into an enjoyable part of your daily life.
We know starting out can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to begin or are juggling other responsibilities. That’s exactly why at Speak and Move, we help aspiring movers just like you learn to speak a new language while blending into a new culture. And today, we’re sharing some creative, fun ways to practice speaking that will prepare you for your big move abroad (and keep you entertained along the way).
Why Speaking Practice Matters
Before we jump into the techniques, it’s worth highlighting why speaking is essential. Sure, you might ace grammar drills and flashcards, but speaking fluently is your golden ticket to:
- Building connections in your new community
- Navigating daily tasks like grocery shopping, commuting, or dining out
- Easing culture shock by blending in and understanding local norms
- Landing a job—strong spoken skills open doors for interviews and professional networking
Now, ready to have some fun while refining your speaking skills? Here are practical and enjoyable ways to practice.
#1. Watch and Mimic TV Shows or Movies in Czech
Dive into the world of Czech cinema and TV. Pick shows that spark your interest and allow you to hear colloquial phrases and the everyday rhythm of the language. Once you’ve watched a scene, rewind and mimic the actors' lines. Channel your inner actor or actress!
Why this works:
This helps you practice pronunciation, understand the intonation, and learn conversational language rather than textbook Czech.
Pro Tip:
Start with shows or movies with English subtitles. Over time, challenge yourself by switching to Czech subtitles—or skip them entirely when you feel confident!
Recommended series to get started:
- Most! – A popular Czech comedy-drama
- Kolja – A classic Oscar-winning film
- Czech YouTube vloggers or influencers (great for a glimpse into daily life)
#2. Speak to Yourself in the Mirror
Yes, it may feel a bit odd at first, but this is an incredibly effective technique. Set a timer for five minutes and talk to yourself in Czech (or any target language). Practice introducing yourself, describing your day, or reciting lines from a Czech phrasebook.
Why this works:
It helps you see how your mouth moves, boosts confidence, and preps you for real-life interactions without the immediate pressure.
Pro Tip:
Use prompts to keep the conversation flowing. For instance:
- “Describe your favorite food in Czech.”
- “Imagine you’re ordering coffee—what would you say?”
#3. Sing Your Heart Out with Music
Who doesn’t love music? Find Czech songs in your favorite genres and sing along. Music is an excellent way to build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and develop a sense of rhythm in conversation.
Why this works:
Music makes repeating words and phrases feel natural rather than repetitive. Plus, the catchy tunes mean you’re likely to remember the lyrics.
Pro Tip:
Explore playlists on platforms like Spotify or YouTube, and don’t be afraid to mess up the lyrics—perfection isn’t the goal, confidence is.
#4. Join Online Language Exchange Programs
Thanks to technology, you can practice your speaking skills anytime, anywhere. Language exchange platforms like Tandem, HelloTalk, or even iTalki connect you with native speakers hoping to practice your language.
Why this works:
These platforms simulate real-life conversational scenarios. You’ll get instant feedback on your speaking and pronunciation.
Pro Tip:
Choose casual, friendly topics when starting out, like hobbies or favorite foods. This keeps the conversation light and engaging.
Prefer structured guidance?
At Speak and Move, we offer 1-on-1 conversational coaching to help you practice with confidence. Our professional coaches guide you in real-time, tailoring each session to your needs.
#5. Gamify Your Practice with Language Apps
Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Busuu aren’t just for mastering vocabulary—they also include speaking exercises. Some even use voice-recognition software to evaluate your pronunciation.
Why this works:
Games make learning feel playful and relaxing. Plus, the instant rewards (like unlocking a new level) motivate you to keep going.
Pro Tip:
Set daily app goals, like practicing one speaking lesson per day. Small daily habits lead to big progress.
#6. Create a Czech “Day” Each Week
Dedicate one day a week to speaking as much Czech as possible. This means thinking in Czech, talking to yourself in Czech, and even labeling household objects with Czech words.
Why this works:
Immersing yourself in the language helps mimic what it’ll be like to live in the Czech Republic. The more you practice thinking and speaking in Czech, the more natural it’ll feel.
Pro Tip:
Add some Czech culture to the mix! Listen to Czech radio stations, eat Czech cuisine (like svíčková or párek v rohlíku), and try out local customs.
#7. Use Social Media to Engage with Czech Speakers
Follow Czech influencers, bloggers, or social media accounts to stay connected with the culture and practice your conversations. Leave comments or send direct messages in Czech to start real interactions.
Why this works:
This gives you exposure to modern slang, trends, and popular references.
Pro Tip:
Join Czech Facebook groups or subreddits. Connect with a Czech expat group or a Filipino community living in the Czech Republic to make friends before you even arrive.
#8. Practice with Friends Who Share Your Goal
If you know someone else learning Czech or planning to move overseas, practice speaking together. Role-play real-world scenarios like shopping or ordering at a restaurant.
Why this works:
It makes the experience fun and collaborative while reducing the pressure of speaking to a native speaker right away.
Pro Tip:
Use flashcards to create random scenarios and test your conversational abilities.
#9. Book A Mock Interview for Practice
Planning to look for a job once you arrive? Nothing strengthens spoken skills like practicing mock interviews. Prepare answers to common questions in Czech and get feedback.
Why this works:
It builds confidence in speaking formally and professionally, essential for crafting a great first impression.
Prefer professional guidance?
At Speak and Move, we offer tailored interview coaching for real-life job applications.
#10. Work with a Speak and Move Expert
Speaking practice is incredibly important, but it’s even more powerful when paired with expert support. That’s where we step in! At Speak and Move, we help Filipinos ready to make the first move by offering:
- Language coaching for real-life conversations
- Cultural integration tips to help you adapt quickly
- Career guidance and visa assistance to kickstart your new life abroad
Don’t leave your dreams of moving abroad to chance—practice speaking with confidence today!
Make Speaking Fun and Productive
Preparing for a move abroad is no small feat, but language learning doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether it’s singing along to music, joining online communities, or getting expert coaching, there are so many ways to make speaking fun.
Excited to start your language-learning adventure? Speak and Move is here to guide you every step of the way—helping you learn with confidence, adapt seamlessly, and create a strong foundation for your future abroad.
Book a Free Consultation Today!
Our experts are ready to help you refine your speaking skills and prepare for the big move. Together, we’ll make sure you hit the ground running.