Find an online course in conversational French that is appropriate for your level of learning, such as beginner, intermediate or advanced. For example, the France-Pub website offers lessons in beginners' conversational French vocabulary and phrases; the Learn French at Home website provides an online tutor and a French conversation program for students with intermediate or advanced level of conversational French. Practice daily for approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Acquire a basic vocabulary to help you speak French in a variety of daily contexts and situations. The French Linguistics website suggests that you commit to learning functional words in French: for example, pronouns, such as "he," "she" and "we;" prepositions, such as "in," "on" and "under" and adjectives, such as "big" and "small." You should learn vocabulary that is used for greetings and polite exchanges. Learn French words that are used frequently, like colors, occupations, members of the family, items of clothing, food and the parts of the body.
Acquire knowledge of French vocabulary and phrases that are associated with the contexts, situations and topics that interest you. For example, if you wish to speak conversational French as a tourist, you might choose to learn French from topics such as shopping, transport or food. As a business person, you might choose work-related topics such as French sales and marketing terms or types of French businesses.
Develop the ability to think in French by speaking French sentences out loud to yourself whenever you can.
Listen to fluent French-speakers by listening to French songs or by watching French movies with subtitles. This helps to improve your pronunciation and enables faster comprehension skills.
Use the Internet for additional practice in conversational French. The Learn French CD Software website recommends browsing through French websites, reading French news articles and switching the language settings on your email account to French. Join in with French online discussion forums.
Find out about French manners and etiquette and learn to recognize French body language cues to enable smooth, pleasurable conversations. Natalie Schorr, author of "Tune Up Your French," explains that you can communicate in French with body language and sounds "before you even start dealing with words." For example, French people sometimes respond to a question with a "two-second pout," which might suggest that they disagree with you, but which usually means that they are reflecting before they reply.
Join or initiate a French conversation and discussion group in your local area and attend meetings regularly.
Visit France or French-speaking countries to speak conversational French with native, fluent French speakers. Or, find fluent French speakers in your home country, for example by visiting authentic French restaurants, hotels or shops with owners and hosts who speak fluent French. Practice your language skills by speaking French when you order a meal or pay for items and converse entirely in French with your hosts.