Children need to IMITATE what we do in order to teach them how to talk.
Early on, the focus is on the actions. Use gentle hand-over-hand assistance to help the child be successful with their actions. Preferred songs and finger plays can be highly motivating for young children. Promotes fun adult-child interactions and encourages imitation skills.
Here is a link for a free handout with suggestions of ideas to boost motor imitation: Motor Imitation Skills