Using contractions is an essential aspect of sounding more natural in English conversation. Here are some key tips to help you sound more natural:

1. Practice Common Contractions: As you mentioned, practicing common contractions such as “I’m,” “you’re,” “they’ve,” etc., is crucial. Make sure you are comfortable using these contractions in your everyday speech.

2. Prosody and Intonation: Pay attention to the way native speakers use intonation and stress in their speech. This will help you understand where and how to naturally insert contractions in your sentences.

3. Listen to Native Speakers: To get a better sense of how contractions are used in everyday speech, listen to native speakers in movies, TV shows, podcasts, or even during conversations. Try to mimic their intonation patterns and pacing.

4. Linking Contractions Smoothly: When using contractions, it’s important to smoothly link them with the surrounding words. This helps maintain a natural flow in your speech and avoids sounding robotic or overly formal.

5. Informal Settings: Practice using contractions more in informal settings like casual conversations with friends or family. The more you use them naturally in your everyday interactions, the more comfortable you will become with their usage.

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you will gradually improve your fluency and sound more natural when using contractions in English conversation. Remember, sounding natural in a language often comes with practice and exposure to real-life situations