How best to learn a new language and speak it well

I speak ten languages and counting and here I share my tips on how to learn a new language well by focussing on your goals and avoiding common pitfalls and misconceptions. The information is presented in a humourous/humorous way, with some SFX for good measure. 0:00 Intro 0:10 You don't need to be a genius 1:01 Define your language goal 1:33 What are the implications of your goal? 2:00 Even if your goal is very broad, you still need to decide where to start. 2:25 A language is like a buffet lunch - start with the bits you most like. 2:56 Learn how to say what you want to say and to understand what you want to understand 3:26 Which skill are important to you? 3:39 How important is reading and writing the language to you? 4:10 Example of huge difference between spoken and written French 4:42 Languages with other writing systems 4:51 Cyrillic alphabet 5:12 Korean Hangeul 5:34 Chinese and Japanese 5:55 What does "I'm learning for it work" actually mean? 7:14 Stick to your own agenda and don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by course books, apps and teachers. 8:15 Avoid lessons which artificially present grammar points 8:33 No one cares about your daily routine! 8:49 Learning lists of vocabulary is a waste of time! 9:33 How language knowledge is stored in the brain 10:45 Language learnt in a linguistically authentic way stays in your brain forever 10:53 If you must memorize something, memorize phrases. 11:20 Learn through curiosity and remember through use. 11:51 The impact of testing on language teaching 12:16 Grammar as an important thing that you mustn't get wrong 12:38 Developing a healthier attitude to grammar 12:53 Grammar is there to help you, not to trap you. 13:03 Grammar is nothing to fear 13:30 How to decide is a grammar rule is useful