Positive reinforcement.... start simple ...choose the 'word' you wish to teach and 'attach' it to an action or object, so for example 'toy', get a new toy and give it to the parrot to play with (say nothing) then remove it and place it within his sight but out of his reach, several times a day/week pick up the toy, say 'toy' and give it to the parrot BE CONSISTANT with how you do it and the word you say and if you want several words then instead of just saying 'toy' purchase several toys that are different each with a 'word', like 'teddy', 'bell',' rope', teach ONE at a time until he learns the word but keeping them all in his sight but out of his reach and make sure you are listening when in the house as parrots will only 'play the game' if listened to., find it fun and get a reaction.
When I was a child we visited my mothers aunt once a week, she had a parrot and each time my aunt left the room my dad ( who was a talented animal trainer) would say "Oh no, not cucumber sandwiches again" my mum would scold and shush him...... (but we all laughed) and he would give the parrot a piece of cucumber ....one day my aunt returned with ham sandwiches and said each time my friends come for tea the parrot complained "Oh no, not cucumber sandwiches again" because they laughed he then made a 'shush' sound which made them laugh more, so he was getting the attention and positive reinforcement...my great aunt never knew who taught him, nor the several mildly rude words he taught him too
