To start with, many of the solutions discussed in the link pasted above would probably work but for starters, downloading the Google translation app is the easiest and most affordable solution. Getting an interpreter is also a very good idea, especially if you can afford it.

However, if I were to be practical, I would say being very attentive to words and gestures could help greatly. You can also learn to fall in love with Chinese movies which have been subtitled in English or any other language of your choice. Thankfully, most Chinese movies are actually interesting so that shouldn’t be a problem. Judging from experience, I have learnt that constantly watching such movies helps to familiarize you with certain words and sentences. I watch Korean movies a lot and now, I can speak not only speak simple sentences (by simple, i mean simple and short. Lol) but can also identify the differences between certain words. So, I believe that would also help greatly, especially if you are a fast learner