Schedule a time to meet with your English-speaking friend at least three times a week. Mark the time on your calendar and make it a priority to keep the meeting.
Commit to speaking only English when you see your friend. Ask your friend to use gestures or point to items to help you understand what he is saying. Tell him not to speak in your native tongue.
Use a dictionary that translates your native language to English so you can respond to your friend even if you do not know all the English words you need. Take the pen and create a list of the words you look up and define them in your notebook.
Review the words daily even when you do not meet with your friend. To the extent your expanding vocabulary includes words that are objects, write the English name of the object on self-sticking paper. Affix the paper to the object so you see it regularly.
Practice what you have learned and try to use English every day. Take advantage of opportunities when you are alone by practicing when you are in your car or taking a walk. Watch television or read part of a book in English. If you are just learning, consider watching English children's programs or reading books with simple vocabulary.