Speaking in Front of the Mirror
If listening is the first step to learning a language, speaking is the second, and possibly, most important one. Practicing aloud what you have studied on paper is essential for the vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar to take root in your brain. Everyday words and activities are a good place to start.
A technique often used with first-graders learning to read is labeling the room. Copy down essential vocabulary words onto note cards and attach them to corresponding things around your house. Sentences to accompany various activities could also be printed out and put up in appropriate places.
When You're Alone
Tape a chart of the Japanese sounds next to your bathroom mirror and run through them before or after you brush your teeth. Unlike English, Japanese does not require a lot of tongue or mouth movement when spoken. Try giving your self-introduction or experiment with various statements.
Pay attention to your facial expressions. Do they correspond with what you are saying? Sometimes you may get so caught up in getting the words right that your brow furrows and your face gives the impression that you are confused or upset even though you happen to be talking about your favorite color. Think about what you want to say, then smile at yourself and relax your shoulders before you begin speaking.
Take Note
Think about things you might want to share with people you meet in Japan. Try to guess what questions might be asked of you. How would you describe your living room? What color is your kitchen or your favorite coffee mug? What is your favorite TV show? What commercials make you laugh or cry? How would you summarize the lyrics to your favorite song?
Pretend you are an anthropologist and begin taking notes on the basic aspects of everyday life in your homeland. Actions you take for granted will be exactly the types of things people will be interested in knowing about. Practice describing, in Japanese, what you eat for breakfast, how you get to work, and what you and your friends do for fun. These notes will be invaluable to you when making comparisons or if questioned about how or why things are done in a certain way.
