AI is Transforming How the Next Generation Achieves English Speaking Proficiency

Artificial intelligence is all over the news, and it’s especially making waves in education. But here’s a reality check: 85% of teachers haven’t even touched generative AI tools, according to the On EdTech Newsletter.

Even so, there’s one area quietly undergoing a profound transformation due to AI — language learning, especially for refining English speaking skills.

Compared to previous generations like mine, today’s learners are experiencing a monumental change in the learning process.

No longer held back by barriers of opportunity, cost, or geography, English language learners are now empowered to achieve proficiency, unlocking global academic and business opportunities.

No longer held back by barriers of opportunity, cost, or geography, English language learners are now empowered to achieve proficiency, unlocking global academic and business opportunities.

Game Changer

After three decades working in international education and now as the CEO and Co-founder of an English language learning platform, I see AI having a profound impact on expanding and improving education around the world. 

In this first phase of adapting AI to education, the most exciting application is as a tool for speaking improvement — the holy grail of the language learning process. As every teacher knows, textbooks, vocabulary lists, and videos cannot teach students to speak confidently. AI, on the other hand, can interact with learners, providing the kind of dynamic practice that was once only possible through real-life conversations or living abroad.

AI, on the other hand, can interact with learners, providing the kind of dynamic practice that was once only possible through real-life conversations or living abroad.

The Language Learning Transformation

I first started learning Spanish in the 1980s and Japanese in the 1990s. Back then, the way we learned was by buying books, taking classes, completing reading, writing, and listening homework, and only had the chance to speak when we traveled or lived abroad. In other words, the last mile of the learning process – reaching speaking proficiency – required significant time, money, and physical relocation. This put speaking proficiency out of reach of many learners of modest means. The way my generation learned languages is now ancient history.

When I speak with English learners now, their approach seems entirely different - and frankly, better. They download numerous apps, watch endless videos on YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram, take online classes with tutors, and increasingly supplement this with AI-powered speaking practice tools.

Now, anyone with a phone can access unlimited speaking practice. There is clear evidence that learners crave this: millions of people have downloaded the first generation of AI-powered speaking practice apps like FLOW Speak, Speak, ELSA Speak, BoldVoice and Loora. 

Because learners no longer need to travel overseas to immerse themselves in English, the cost is significantly lower and accessibility is much higher.

Because learners no longer need to travel overseas to immerse themselves in English, the cost is significantly lower and accessibility is much higher.

Language Learning Process: Then & Now

Looking Forward

I am confident that within five years, AI tools will be a standard part of English language learning around the world. Schools and teachers from K-12 to college and beyond will offer AI speaking tools to their students. Additionally, it will become common for businesses to offer AI speaking tools to their teams for learning and development or as an employee perk.

And here’s the important part - these tools don’t replace traditional methods but rather enhance and supplement the learning process. Students will continue taking lessons with teachers while also practicing with their favorite AI-powered speaking tools. We will increasingly hear success stories about educators improving their teaching skills and student outcomes by using AI speaking tools. This will lead to a snowball effect of more teachers using AI for their English language learners.

And here’s the important part - these tools don’t replace traditional methods but rather enhance and supplement the learning process.

Thinking about the future possibilities is exciting—talking with hologram avatars, real-time speaking advice via earpieces, personalized feedback after important meetings, or even helping you perfect your next TED talk.

The Benefits Don’t End There

Limitless immersive speaking is not the only benefit. The advantages of AI-powered speaking tools are overwhelming:

Tell me how to improve
‍AI tools can give instant personalized feedback on pronunciation, relevance, and even suggest better ways to structure sentences.

Just for me
‍AI tools can learn and adapt to individual needs to create hyper-customized learning.

No need for appointments
‍AI tools are always on and are available 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

No worries
‍Even shy students can practice privately, as AI tools create a safe space where it's okay to make mistakes.

Affordability
‍AI tools are vastly less expensive than traditional methods which opens the door of opportunity for more learners.

Voices from the Field

Through my work with FLOW Speak, I am constantly hearing success stories from learners and teachers. Here’s what some of them have to say:

“I am already experiencing the benefit of students’ increased understanding of the importance of both regular practice and the use of feedback for language skill improvement and growth. These are truly exciting times in the development of language education."  - Catherine Reed, Dept. of Education & Training, Victoria, Australia.

“The results were remarkable - every single participant who used FLOW Speak demonstrated significant improvements in their speaking fluency, vocabulary, and overall confidence by the end of the trial.” - Nour El Houda Serifeg, Graduate Researcher, Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Setif 2 University.

“FLOW Speak has helped me develop my communication skills…I can see a clear improvement in my pronunciation…[and] it also helped me build confidence while talking to others.”                - International Student, Stevens Institute of Technology

“I noticed my mouth muscles getting sore because I practiced everyday with FLOW and I started to have dreams in English again. The last time this happened was many years ago when I studied abroad.”          - Study Abroad Director, Nihon University

“For me FLOW is very important for the process of learning English because it helps with pronunciation and being able to communicate easily….I loved it.” - Adult Student, Public Charter School in Virginia

Teachers Led the Way 

While AI is proving powerful for individual learners who are self-studying, there is still an enduring truth: teachers lead the way for the vast majority of students.

At conferences and discussions with other education technology founders, I have noticed a clear focus on partnering with teachers. Teachers are essential because they provide
the human connection, coaching, and guidance that students need. Like a textbook or calculator, the AI tool relies on the teacher to be effective in the learning process.

This is an exhilarating time to be a language teacher. With AI tools, you can help more students achieve English speaking proficiency than ever before. Fewer students will face the usual frustration from a lack of progress, and those who succeed will never forget the teachers who guided them through challenges to reach their academic and career goals. The educators of tomorrow will be the ones who creatively combine live teaching with cutting-edge AI, leading the charge in transforming language learning.

While AI is proving powerful for individual learners who are self-studying, there is still an enduring truth: teachers lead the way for the vast majority of students.

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This article was originally published in the March/April 2025 issue of the Modern English Teacher (MET) and is reproduced here with permission from Pavilion ELT at Pavilion Publishing and Media.