There are a number of things that current research shows will help the most. They are: 1. If possible, find an "immersion" situation, where you are forced to use English all the time. This can be very hard for a new learner, and can cause frustration, but this is how we learn a new language the best. 2. Take risks; don't worry about sounding stupid or making mistakes. For many learners, this is hard. Sometimes we think that learning a language is like learning history or math, but it is much more like learning to ride a bike, or learning sports or learning to play an instrument. If one is too worried about making mistakes, it can keep one from practicing and learning. 3. Use it! As much as possible, put yourself in situations where you will use the language, and/or when you are in these situations, go for it. 4. Get "input." That means read as much as possible, listen as much as possible. The most effective input is input that is just slightly above your level, so you understand enough to help explain what you don't understand. 5. Invest. Anything worth doing is worth spending the time and/or money to do. It will take investment, which means you will often need to decide what you are NOT going to do. 6. Make sure that your learning materials and/or classes encourage listening and speaking. Many traditional classrooms do not use the "target language" during instruction, and do not allow enough opportunity to practice. If this is the case with you, find a classroom or instructor that only uses English to force you to use it also. Hope that's a helpful start.