If you are keen to learn a new language, the first thing to remember is that it needs your hundred percent attention. Even if you find it easy at first, do not become overconfident as at some point it will become tougher and you will not be prepared for it. Learning to speak Spanish is probably one of the most popular course and most local colleges and universities have courses. There is no need for you to join a class with a large number of young people if you feel uncomfortable - just enrol in an adult language class. As I know it, many schools offer rapid learning courses during long breaks especially during summer.
Some companies also offer crash courses where they teach you to speak Spanish while making sure that you get a job right after you finish their program. Aside from that, you’ll see lots of dictionaries in bookshops that could really help you if you have no time to attend a class. Lots of self-help books are also available where there are lots of sentences in Spanish with their English translations appearing at the bottom. There is the ever so trusted Internet where you can find loads of free tutorials on Google or yahoo. It’s not just about reading and teaching yourself on how to pronounce the words, although it’s easy since speaking Spanish is more phonetic. But, you can listen using Internet, too and there are webcasts and podcasts available and what’s great is that some sites will allow you to download it, all you have to do is just type your fingers away!
To learn a language properly there is nothing like listening to it so you should not just go along with the books as there are lots of materials to choose from to do this, like songs, movies and telenovels. Pictures are a great help since when you learn a Spanish word, you remember it better when you know what it appears like. If money and time permits, take off and visit the land where the language is spoken by every one. Be familiar with their habitat and culture and in no time, you would be speaking Spanish.
Do not tax your self too much while learning, as the more tensed you are the more frustrated you would get. Remember not just say the words when you are speaking Spanish but to use an accent as well - it will improve the sound. Do not be embarrassed when you make mistakes as you are expected to make some howlers but then, you are a beginner trying hard to grasp a language. In fact, you can only learn the hard way when you make mistakes, so be carefree, and enjoy your learning process throwing caution to the winds.