To master the art of the chiacchierata (a good old chat), it’s not enough to just study the rules or memorise phrases. You have to physically produce phrases, stumbling over words and feeling a bit clumsy at first (that’s all part of the process!).
Don’t get me wrong, grammar is fascinating (who doesn’t love a good-placed congiuntivo!). But it’s just the foundation. Speaking is the part that makes the language truly come alive.
With that in mind, here are some practical, doable activities to improve your spoken Italian. These are mostly the same methods I used (and still use) to sharpen my English. They’re simple, occasionally uncomfortable, but, hey, they work.
1. First, let’s loosen up those speaking muscles!
If you feel like your tongue is getting tied in knots by those double consonants or rolling Rs, it’s time for a workout. And nothing works better than some good old scioglilingua (tongue twisters).
Try saying phrases like:
Trentatré trentini entrarono in Trento, tutti e trentatré trotterellando.
Thirty-three people from Trentino entered Trento, all thirty-three trotting along.
Due tazze strette in due strette tazze.
Two narrow cups in two narrow cups.
They are challenging (even for native speakers), but repeating these tricky combinations helps your tongue get used to the specific sounds of Italian.
Here’s how to make the most of this activity:
- Pick one short phrase
- Start slowly and clearly, making sure to pronounce every syllable
- Gradually increase the speed
- As you repeat, try to exaggerate every movement of your mouth. And if it feels a bit ridiculous, that’s a good sign: your muscles are getting a proper workout!
2. Bring the words to life by reading out loud
While reading silently is great for the brain, it doesn’t do much for speaking. So, to improve your spoken Italian, you need to bring the words to life by saying them out loud.
This technique works especially well with books that come with audio recordings. Play the recording while reading along. This helps your brain link each word with the actual Italian sounds. Then, pause the audio, go back to the start of the paragraph, and read it out loud, trying to replicate the exact intonation, pauses, and rhythm you just heard.
By doing this exercise regularly, the rhythm and natural flow of Italian will start to feel more comfortable. You can also do this with podcasts or any audio that comes with a transcript.
3. Become a mimic
If movies and TV are more your thing than books, this exercise is perfect. Pick a favorite Italian show you’ve already seen. This way, since you already know what happens on screen, you can focus entirely on how people speak.
Turn on the subtitles and watch a few scenes, paying attention to the flow of every line. Then, go back and watch again, but this time, repeat their words out loud, speaking along with the dialogue in real time. This technique, called “shadowing,” helps you absorb native speed, rhythm, and those subtle inflections senza rendertene conto (without even realising it).
Shadowing works so well because it teaches language in context. You see facial expressions, gestures, and the situations where specific phrases are used. And if that’s not convincing enough, many articles and studies show that imitation is one of the most effective ways to turn what we learn from books into real speaking ability. So it’s well worth giving it a try!
4. Speak out loud, alone
You know those imaginary conversations we all have at some point while showering or driving? Well, it’s time to do them in Italian. Can’t find the keys? Grumble about your cattiva memoria (bad memory). Missed the train? Curse the sfortuna (bad luck).
Talking to yourself is one of the best ways to get comfortable speaking. It’s completely judgment-free, and if you don’t know a word, no problem. Keep going, say it another way, describe it, and look it up later. The goal is not to sound perfect, it’s to keep the flow.
And if talking out loud alone feels a bit too “Cast Away,” you can use ChatGPT as your digital speaking partner. Try some short role-plays like ordering food or planning a holiday. Naturally, it doesn’t replace real conversation (and AI has its limits), but it can be a good way for sciogliersi (loosen up).
5. Get out there and mingle with real Italians
It might seem obvious, but in the end, the best way to improve your speaking is by speaking to Italians. Whether you’re lucky enough to be traveling through Italy or you’re just heading to that Italian deli down the street, take every opportunity to practice. Even if it’s only a few words about the prosciutto, do it! Visit that shop when it’s not too busy and ask about the names of things. Honestly, we really appreciate it when people show curiosity about our language and culture.
Another idea is joining local meet-ups or classes specifically designed for language practice, even better if they are focused on activities you enjoy. It’s much less intimidating when everyone is sulla stessa barca (in the same boat). If you can’t find one, start your own. How fun would that be?
And have you ever thought about a penpal? I used to write actual letters when I was studying English, and there was something magical about it. Today, a penpal can easily become a digital language partner – and who knows, maybe even a real friend down the line.
No matter what you choose, don’t obsess over your accent. Focus on the words and the connection. And if you’re scared of making mistakes, remember this: even us native speakers mess up our grammar or words sometimes!
Bonus: Take the plunge and head to Italy!
I know, not everyone can just hop on a plane to Italy. But if you can, there’s nothing like a good full immersion to improve your spoken Italian. From chatting with vendors at the market to asking for tips at the local bar, being fully surrounded by the language gives you priceless speaking practice.
This was by far the most effective way I improved my English. And I did it in Ireland, where the accent is not exactly standard. So, if I was able to manage there, you can do it anywhere in Italy. In fact, it works even better if you skip the big tourist hubs and head to a smaller town instead. In major cities, locals may often switch to English the moment they hear you hesitate, but in a tiny borgo (village), you’ll likely be forced to use every bit of Italian you know. It’s a challenge, but that’s where real improvement happens. And hey, if you get truly stuck, Google Translate is always there to help you through the tricky moments.
Are you interested in participating in a full immersion experience in Italy?
If so, Daily Italian Words, in collaboration with Vero Viaggio, offers full immersion trips 5-6 times a year. These trips include morning language lessons with a qualified tutor at Il Sasso Language School, a cooking class, wine tasting, day trips, and much more!
Our October 2026 trips to Montepulciano and Torino are now online, so if you’re interested, please follow this link to register your interest!
If you’re unable to attend these Daily Italian Words trips, Vero Viaggio also organises other full immersion experiences throughout the year. While I won’t be able to attend due to family and work commitments, you’ll still experience the same incredible immersion and care. Discover all the options here!
What if you get stuck mid-sentence?
This is a common fear but it happens to everyone. It happens to advanced learners, and it happens to me in my native Italian. We all have those moments when a word is right there, sulla punta della lingua (on the tip of your tongue), but we just can’t say it.
Instead of panicking, try describing it in another way. For example, if you forget the word for lavatrice (washing machine), you could say “la macchina che lava i vestiti sporchi” (the machine that washes dirty clothes). Being able to talk around the words is a great skill: it keeps the conversation going, and often the person you’re speaking with will help by giving you the word you need.
And that’s it – no magic formula, just your voice and a bit of courage. Happy chatting!
Valentina Nicastro is a travel writer in love with her home country, Italy. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. When she is not immersed in documenting Italy, you’ll find her donning her communication consultant hat, weaving words as a content writer and bridging linguistic divides as a translator.
