Google launches AI 'Speaking Practice' for English skills enhancement guide

Google has introduced a cutting-edge AI-driven tool dubbed "Speaking Practice" within its Search platform, aiming to refine users' English-speaking abilities. While still in its experimental phase, this innovative feature offers interactive exercises tailored to incorporate new vocabulary into everyday conversations, thereby assisting English language learners in enhancing their communication skills.

Part of Google's Search Labs initiative, the "Speaking Practice" feature is presently accessible in various countries, including Argentina, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Venezuela. Users keen on exploring this tool must enroll in the Search Labs program to activate the speaking practice feature. Once enabled, it seamlessly integrates into Google Search, providing users with a more interactive and conversational learning experience.

In India, users interested in utilizing the "Speaking Practice" tool must sign up for Google Search Labs. Upon enrollment, they can verify the availability of the speaking practice experiment and proceed to enable it. Upon activation, users will find the feature listed among their active Search Lab experiments. Additionally, the feature offers users the opportunity to test a sample interaction to grasp its functionality.

Although this feature does not serve as a substitute for a comprehensive English language learning course, it offers users a unique avenue to refine their English-speaking skills. Google's AI system analyzes the user's speech, interprets it, and then delivers a natural-sounding response or executes a requested action. This interactive exchange empowers users to practice conversational English, fostering a more engaging approach to utilizing new words in context and enhancing fluency.

For instance, if the AI prompts a user for advice on maintaining fitness, the user can respond with a sentence incorporating words like "exercise," "heart," and "tired." This interactive component enriches the learning process by simulating genuine conversations. The introduction of this feature marks an expansion of Google's array of English learning tools, including the pronunciation tool launched in 2019, which enabled users to practice enunciating words accurately.