Hands-down, Pimsleur is the fastest way to learn Chinese—it was designed by a linguistic psychologist who figured out how the brain’s LAD (Language Acquisition Device) works to absorb language. This is a much better method than the boilerplate “listen-and-repeat” progams like Berlitz, Barron’s etc.

Chinese is a deceptively simple language—its words are usually 1-2 syllables each, the grammar structures are simpler than English, there are no masculine/feminine gendered words (as in German) and there are no annoying verb conjugation rules (as in Spanish). It’s simpler than we think—most people hear it being spoken conversationally in the street or on TV, and get intimidated. That’s all.

Be sure to practice frequently with Chinese friends—this way, retention and fluidity increases geometrically. Learn lots of vocabulary through other sources as well.