How to Create Speaking Practice Prompts Using AI

22 Feb, 2026

Leveraging AI for Dynamic Speaking Practice

Effective speaking practice is crucial for language learners and professionals alike. However, consistently generating engaging and relevant prompts can be time-consuming. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a powerful solution, enabling the creation of customized speaking practice materials tailored to specific needs and proficiency levels. This post explores how to utilize AI tools to generate high-quality prompts, maximizing learning efficiency and engagement.

Tools and Techniques

Several AI tools can be employed for prompt creation. The most accessible are large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini (formerly Bard), and Microsoft's Copilot. These tools excel at generating text-based content based on user input. Here's a breakdown of techniques:

Specificity is Key: The more detailed your prompt to the AI, the better the results. Instead of asking for “a speaking prompt,” specify the context, target language level, desired skill (e.g., fluency, accuracy, pronunciation), and topic.
Role-Playing Scenarios: AI is excellent at creating role-playing scenarios. Prompt examples: “Generate a role-playing scenario for two intermediate English learners. One is a customer complaining about a faulty product, and the other is a customer service representative. Include potential dialogue points.”
Debate Topics: For advanced learners, AI can generate debate topics with supporting arguments. Example: “Create a debate topic suitable for advanced Spanish speakers, focusing on the ethics of artificial intelligence. Provide three arguments for and three arguments against.”
Storytelling Prompts: Encourage narrative skills with prompts like: “Generate a story starter for a beginner French learner. The story should involve a lost dog and a kind stranger.”
'What If' Scenarios: Stimulate creative thinking and spontaneous speech. Example: “Create a ‘What if’ scenario for an intermediate German learner. What if you woke up with the ability to fly?”
Picture/Image Descriptions: Combine AI with image generation tools (like DALL-E 2 or Midjourney). Generate an image and then ask the AI to create prompts based on describing the image. Example: “I have an image of a bustling marketplace. Generate three speaking prompts for beginner Italian learners asking them to describe what they see.”
Interview Questions: Prepare for job interviews or presentations. Example: “Generate ten common interview questions for a software engineer position. Also, provide suggested responses at an intermediate level.”
Prompt Engineering for Level: Explicitly state the language proficiency level (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) in your prompt. This helps the AI tailor the vocabulary and grammatical complexity appropriately.

Refining AI-Generated Prompts

While AI is powerful, it's crucial to review and refine the generated prompts. Consider the following:

Accuracy: Ensure the language used in the prompt is accurate and appropriate for the target level.
Relevance: Confirm the prompt aligns with the learner's goals and interests.
Clarity: The prompt should be easy to understand and unambiguous.
Engagement: Is the prompt likely to spark conversation and encourage active participation?

Example Prompt & Output (ChatGPT)

Prompt: “Generate a speaking prompt for a B1 English learner. The scenario is a conversation between two friends planning a weekend trip. Include questions about budget, activities, and transportation.”

AI Output (Example):

“You and your friend, Alex, are planning a weekend trip together. You have a budget of $200 each. Discuss the following:

Where should you go? (Suggest at least two options)
What activities would you like to do?
How will you get there? (Consider train, bus, or car)
What should you pack?

Try to make a final decision about where to go and what to do!”

Conclusion

AI provides an invaluable tool for creating dynamic and personalized speaking practice prompts. By leveraging LLMs and employing effective prompt engineering techniques, educators and learners can significantly enhance the speaking practice experience, fostering fluency, confidence, and communicative competence.