The Triple S: A Technique for Practicing Speaking

Many students get stuck.

Even if they have the tools and the drive, they don't get to talk in Spanish as much as they need. 

Is that your case?

Here's one method I recommend: The Triple S, or Spanish Scenario Simulation.

It's a focused way to get better at speaking, understand more, and feel sure of yourself.

What is Spanish Scenario Simulation (The Triple S)?

It's a study method based on anticipating yourself in Spanish talks and going through these chats in your mind. 

This helps you get ready for real talks.

Why do I recommend the Triple S?

• Better Speaking: You can practice by yourself, no need for a language partner.

• More Confidence: Getting used to these mental practices makes real-life talks easier.

• Understand More: It helps you guess and understand what others might say back.

• Learn the Culture: It makes you think about how culture changes the way people talk.

How to Implement It?

1. Pick Situations You Might Face: Like being at a café or talking about your hobbies.

2. Learn Key Phrases: Write down useful words and sentences for these situations.

3. Imagine the Place: Think of all the possible details about where the talk will happen.

4. Have the Talk in Your Mind: Use the sentences you wrote to go through a chat.

5. Think of Answers: Guess how the other person might respond and how you'd reply.

6. Keep at It: Doing this often is key.

Practical Example: Navigating a Day in Mexico City

Imagine you will be spending a day exploring Mexico City, planning to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, and then having lunch at a local restaurant.

Here's how to use the Triple S technique to prepare for these interactions.

Morning: Visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum

Scenario: You're at the museum's ticket counter.

Phrases to Learn:

• Quisiera un boleto, por favor. (I would like a ticket, please.)

• ¿A qué hora cierra el museo? (What time does the museum close?)

• ¿Hay descuentos para estudiantes o personas mayores? (Are there any discounts for students or seniors?)

• ¿Incluye la entrada acceso a todas las exposiciones? (Does the ticket include access to all exhibitions?)

• ¿Puedo tomar fotos dentro del museo? (Can I take pictures inside the museum?)

Visualize the Setting: Imagine the ticket counter, the employee before you, and the museum's entrance behind.

Start the Conversation: Use your phrases to buy a ticket and ask about the museum's opening hours.

Anticipate Responses: The clerk might say, 

• El museo abre a las seis de la tarde. Aquí tiene su boleto. (The museum opens at ten in the morning. Here is your ticket.)

• Sí, los estudiantes y las personas mayores tienen un 50% de descuento. (Yes, students and seniors receive a 50% discount off.)

• La entrada incluye todas las exposiciones permanentes, pero las temporales tienen un costo adicional. (The ticket includes all permanent exhibitions, but temporary ones have an additional cost.)

• Pueden tomar fotos sin flash en las galerías permanentes, pero está prohibido fotografiar las exposiciones temporales. (You can take non-flash photos in the permanent galleries, but photographing temporary exhibitions is prohibited.

Afternoon: Having Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Scenario: You're ordering food at a restaurant.

Phrases to Learn:

• ¿Me trae una orden de tacos al pastor, por favor? (I would like to order the tacos al pastor, please.)

• ¿Qué incluye el plato? (What does the dish include?)

• ¿Puede traer la sal, por favor? (Could you bring the salt, please?)

• ¿Qué postres tiene? (What desserts do you have?)

Visualize the Setting: See yourself sitting at the restaurant, looking at the menu, and speaking to the waiter.

Start the Conversation: Use your phrases to order your meal and inquire about the dish.

Anticipate Responses: The waiter might reply, 

• Los tacos llevan cerdo, piña, cebolla y cilantro. Son muy sabrosos. (The tacos include marinated pork, pineapple, onion, and cilantro. They are very tasty.)

• Por supuesto, enseguida le traigo la sal. (Of course, I'll bring you the salt right away.)

• Tenemos flan, pastel de tres leches y helado de vainilla. ¿Le gustaría alguno? (We have flan, tres leches cake, and vanilla ice cream. Would you like any?)

The Triple S technique is very useful for those learning Spanish on their own, especially when they can't practice with others often.

It helps improve speaking, understanding, and confidence by simulating conversations.

This makes it a great tool for self-learners to become better at Spanish.