Olly Richards, a polyglot, language-learning expert, and founder of StoryLearning, has helped thousands of people learn languages faster and more effectively. Unlike traditional methods that focus on grammar drills and rote memorization, Olly’s approach is built around learning through stories, making the process more engaging, intuitive, and natural.
So how does Olly Richards learn languages? And how can you apply his StoryLearning method to master a new language?
Let’s break it down!
What is the StoryLearning Method?
Olly’s StoryLearning method is based on the idea that people learn best through stories, much like how children learn their native language.
Instead of memorizing grammar rules or drilling vocabulary with flashcards, learners immerse themselves in a compelling story and pick up the language naturally through context.
Why StoryLearning Works:
✅ Natural Learning – You acquire grammar and vocabulary intuitively, just like native speakers do.
✅ More Enjoyable – Stories are engaging, making learning feel effortless.
✅ Better Retention – You remember words and phrases better when they’re part of a meaningful context.
✅ Faster Progress – You can start understanding and using the language earlier.
Olly Richards’ Step-by-Step Language Learning Method
Olly has broken down his language-learning process into a clear, step-by-step strategy that anyone can follow.
Step 1: Find a Story-Based Resource in Your Target Language
📌 Key Principle: Learn through reading and listening to stories, not textbooks.
- Start with a beginner-friendly book or short story in your target language.
- If possible, choose a resource that comes with audio, so you can hear correct pronunciation while reading.
- Don’t stress over understanding everything—just focus on following the general meaning.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Use Olly’s StoryLearning books (he has beginner-level stories for Spanish, French, Italian, German, and more).
✅ Read graded readers (books written for language learners).
✅ Use apps like LingQ that provide stories with audio and translations.
Step 2: Read and Listen to the Story Repeatedly
📌 Key Principle: Exposure and repetition lead to understanding.
- Read the story multiple times—first for overall meaning, then for details.
- Listen to the audio version while reading to train your ears.
- Don’t stop to look up every word! Instead, guess meanings from context.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Read/listen to the same chapter 5–10 times until it becomes familiar.
✅ Underline words that appear frequently and figure out their meaning naturally.
✅ Shadow the audio (repeat sentences aloud as you listen).
Step 3: Focus on High-Frequency Words First
📌 Key Principle: 80% of conversations use only 20% of words—focus on the essentials first.
Instead of trying to memorize random vocabulary lists, Olly recommends focusing on the most common words in the language.
- Identify words and phrases that appear repeatedly in your story.
- Pay attention to words used in natural speech (connectors, transition words, and essential verbs).
- Use spaced repetition systems (SRS) like Anki to reinforce key vocabulary.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Learn the top 1,000 most common words in your target language.
✅ Use flashcard apps (Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise) to review key vocabulary.
✅ Learn words in full sentences, not just in isolation.
Step 4: Start Speaking as Soon as Possible
📌 Key Principle: Speaking early helps you build confidence and fluency.
- Even if you only know a few words and phrases, start using them immediately.
- Find a language partner or tutor to practice with.
- Use pre-made conversation scripts to make speaking easier.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Use Tandem or HelloTalk to chat with native speakers.
✅ Book 1-on-1 online lessons with a tutor on iTalki or Preply.
✅ Practice self-talk (talk to yourself in your target language about your day).
Step 5: Don’t Obsess Over Grammar (At First!)
📌 Key Principle: Grammar should be learned naturally, not forced.
- Grammar is important, but it shouldn’t be your focus in the beginning.
- Instead of memorizing rules, pay attention to grammar patterns in your story.
- Use example sentences to internalize grammar organically.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Learn grammar naturally through exposure before studying rules.
✅ Use tools like Grammarly for languages (Grammarly-like apps exist for Spanish, French, etc.).
✅ Keep a notebook of useful sentence structures instead of memorizing grammar charts.
Step 6: Make Learning a Daily Habit
📌 Key Principle: Consistency is more important than perfection.
- Learning a language requires daily exposure—even 10-15 minutes a day makes a difference.
- Set a specific time to practice every day (morning routine, commute, before bed).
- Keep track of your progress with a language-learning journal or app.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Use habit-tracking apps like Streaks or Duolingo to stay motivated.
✅ Commit to just 10 minutes per day—small habits lead to big results.
✅ Change your phone’s language to immerse yourself in the language passively.
Step 7: Get Immersed in the Language
📌 Key Principle: Surround yourself with the language as much as possible.
- Watch TV shows, YouTube videos, and movies in your target language.
- Follow native speakers on social media.
- Read blogs, news articles, or Reddit posts in the language.
💡 What You Can Do:
✅ Watch Netflix shows with subtitles in the same language (not in English!).
✅ Listen to podcasts in your target language (even if you don’t understand everything).
✅ Find music and songs and learn the lyrics.
Olly Richards’ Language Learning Toolbox
Olly uses a variety of resources and tools to learn and teach languages. Here are some of his favorites:
📚 Books & Courses
- StoryLearning Courses – His structured courses for different languages.
- Assimil Language Courses – Great for beginners.
- Teach Yourself Series – Classic books for self-study.
🎧 Listening & Reading
- LingQ – Read and listen to texts with built-in vocabulary tools.
- Audible – Audiobooks in multiple languages.
- NHK Easy Japanese – Beginner-friendly news articles in Japanese.
🗣️ Speaking Practice
- iTalki & Preply – Online tutors for real conversation practice.
- Tandem & HelloTalk – Language exchange apps.
📑 Vocabulary & Review
- Anki & Quizlet – Spaced repetition flashcards.
- Notion & GoodNotes – Digital note-taking tools.
Final Thoughts: Why Olly Richards’ Method Works
Olly Richards’ StoryLearning approach makes language learning more engaging, effective, and natural. By learning through stories, focusing on high-frequency words, and immersing yourself in real-world language, you can make rapid progress without traditional, boring study methods.
Key Takeaways from Olly’s Method:
✅ Learn through stories, not textbooks.
✅ Read and listen repeatedly for deeper understanding.
✅ Focus on the most useful words first.
✅ Start speaking early, even if you make mistakes.
✅ Learn grammar naturally through exposure.
✅ Be consistent—small daily habits lead to fluency.
If you’re tired of traditional language-learning methods, give Olly’s approach a try—you might be surprised at how much faster you learn