I need to convert a track to 8000khz, so I can save it as a CCIT U-Law 8khz, 8bit mono. I know the steps to follow - change the rate to 8000hz, save as “other compressed files”, etc, but When I change the project rate the track is slowed right down as if it’s a giant talking in slow motion! What am I doing wrong?
Thank you in advance. 
My guess is that you have changed the track sample rate rather than the project rate.
The project rate is in the lower left corner of the main interface (see: http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/selection_toolbar.html)
Oh my goodness - that’s exactly what I did. You’re an absolute love. Thank you! 