Tip #9 - be the crazy Spaniard

Look for a role model
If you find it difficult to imagine what it would be like to be a native speaker of your target language then choose a clear role model. Look either amongst your friends, on TV, in magazines or anywhere, as long as you can find someone that you can identify as a useful role model for learning that language. For instance, you can choose someone who is the same gender as you are to make it easier.

Does not have to be the same
However, the role model does not always have to be the same. Remember that in language learning much has to do with what is different.

Case study
In any case, take your role model and imagine that you are that person. Practice getting exactly the same rhythm and melody when you speak. What is the body language like? How do they hold their heads, what do their lips look like when they speak? This exercise has to do with having a useful model to imitate and bridging the gap between you as a bearer of your own culture and language, and that of your target culture and language. Now keep this character in mind when you speak the target language with someone. If you do this exercise properly then I guarantee people will be amazed at your "improvement" in confidence and language performance.

Have fun!