Difficult to learn English

I have a lot of difficulty expanding my English vocabulary and speaking with my partners. I think this is a situation that can be improved. I receive many tips from my friends in Brazil, but I don't know what is best. Some friends advise me to talk with native people, but I cannot have a dialogue if I don't articulate sentences very well. Other friends tell me I must watch a television series for familiarity with English. Still others advise me to study grammar and practice conversation with travel phrasebooks, such as LonelyPlanet. I don't know what is the best way to learn English. I am testing all methods and I am searching what is best for me and my difficulties. Have you got some tips for me? Thanks.

The best way I improved my English vocabulary growing up was through reading. When I didn't know a word, I looked it up; I still do this today. There is no pressure to actually use the word immediately, but you can try using the word later in a discussion with English speakers and see if it works. If you want to improve your conversational English, I would not worry about grammar too much. You will figure that out through reading and coversation, I think. Once you feel more comfortable, then you can watch programs with English subtitles. However, I would still pause the program and try and understand what was being said when you are confused. If you do not understand anything at anytime during your studies, write it down in a small notepad and ask your English speaking partners. These methods help me learn best. Good luck!