Tones are what gives mandarin its character. Each syllable is actually spoken on a different note. It is at first a challenge for Westerners when learning to speak, simply because we are not used to them. The best thing you can do is to listen to Mandarin being spoken. What do you hear? Can you imitate it?
Mandarin has four tones and a neutral tone. My best advice to anyone wanting to speak this language is to learn how to say the tones comfortably. You need to hear them first without preconceived idea. Once you are able to hear – “Oh yes, this sound rises. This one falls” – practice reproducing what you have heard. Although it may seem strange, it is essential.
Tones are not an optional luxury. Without them you will not be understood. At all! There are many words which sound exactly the same in Mandarin except for one thing: their tones.
You can practice making them mechanically, but the best way is to imitate. Listen – hear – imitate! Do your best. You will not be perfect. But it will make a world of difference when it comes to being understood.