TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Get the inside track on all things TOEFL® Speaking—from expert breakdowns of the test’s scoring rubrics to cutting-edge research on how AI like SpeechRater™ evaluates your performance.
Whether it's leveraging movie-based learning techniques or diving into the psychology behind language assessment, each episode gives you a front-row seat to the latest strategies, tips, and tools to help you master the Speaking section.
We don’t just stop at exam prep. We explore the bigger picture of how the TOEFL shapes language learning, how automated scoring impacts your results, and what really goes on behind the scenes at ETS. If you want to understand the nuances of TOEFL Speaking and learn how to make your test performance stand out, this podcast is for you.
This podcast is made possible through a blend of innovative AI solutions, including NotebookLM, ElevenLabs, ChatGPT, Suno, and Buzzsprout.
Visit My Speaking Score: https://www.myspeakingscore.com/
TOEFL Speaking (for the AI Era)
Why Practicing Speaking in Isolation May Hurt Your TOEFL Score
Are you focusing only on TOEFL Speaking practice? You might be missing a key strategy! In this episode, we explore why integrating all four language skills—reading, listening, writing, and speaking—is the best way to improve your fluency and score higher on the TOEFL.
We discuss:
✅ Why TOEFL success requires real-world communication skills, not just memorization
✅ How AI-powered tools like SpeechRater analyze and improve pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary
✅ The impact of test anxiety, translation errors, and topic familiarity on speaking performance
✅ How AI personalizes your learning experience, providing real-time feedback and adaptive practice
✅ The future of AI in breaking down barriers and making high-quality TOEFL prep accessible to all
Don’t just practice in isolation—train smarter! Learn how to use technology and holistic learning strategies to speak more confidently, naturally, and effectively on the TOEFL.
🎧 Tune in now and take your TOEFL Speaking prep to the next level!
Free TOEFL Speaking practice:
Free resources:
Social:
My Speaking Score serves 000s of users across the globe by helping them data-power their TOEFL Speaking prep.
Welcome to another Deep Dive. This time, we're getting into something I know you're super keen on prepping for the TOEFL Speaking section. You've been wondering how AI can really help you boost your score.
(0:51 - 0:55)
And we're going to break that down. Sounds great. So we found some really cool research.
(0:55 - 1:01)
Oh, yeah. It's from the Scholastica Journal, Pendekin, Dan, Kibudayan Journal. Okay.
(1:01 - 1:19)
And it goes deep into the challenges students are facing all over the world when it comes to TOEFL speaking and how AI is, like, totally changing the game. Wow. So it's amazing how this research points out the anxieties students everywhere feel about that speaking section.
(1:20 - 1:24)
Like they're afraid of messing up, you know, making those mistakes. Yeah. Or just blanking out.
(1:24 - 1:26)
Oh, yeah. When they have to actually speak. Right.
(1:26 - 1:33)
Or even falling into that trap of translating directly from their native language. Mm-hmm. Which, of course, can lead to errors.
(1:33 - 1:38)
Absolutely. Yeah. It's something almost every TOEFL test taker can relate to no matter where they come from.
(1:38 - 1:47)
It's like a universal language learning experience, wouldn't you say? Totally. Mm-hmm. But what's really interesting is that this research doesn't just focus on the problems.
(1:47 - 1:50)
Right. It actually points to a potential solution. Okay.
(1:51 - 2:00)
This study highlights the Indonesian Islamic University. Okay. Where they saw a really impressive 75% success rate on those TOEFL practice tests.
(2:00 - 2:02)
Wow. 75%. Yeah.
(2:02 - 2:09)
After they changed their curriculum. Oh, interesting. How did they change it? Well, the key was they started integrating all four language skills.
(2:10 - 2:13)
Okay. Reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Got it.
(2:13 - 2:18)
Instead of just focusing on speaking in isolation. So bringing them all together. Exactly.
(2:18 - 2:24)
Makes sense. When you think about it, integrating all four skills, it's really how we communicate in real life. Yeah.
(2:24 - 2:33)
You're not just drilling vocabulary or grammar. Right. You're reading articles, listening to conversations, writing responses, and then speaking about what you've learned.
(2:34 - 2:35)
All in English. All in English. Exactly.
(2:36 - 2:49)
That's a much more effective way to prepare for a test that's designed to assess your overall communication skills. So instead of just drilling vocabulary or grammar, you're using the language in a much more holistic way, which makes a huge difference. I agree.
(2:50 - 3:02)
But where does AI fit into all of this? It's like, imagine having a personal tutor available 24-7, someone who can pinpoint your pronunciation issues and give you tailored feedback. Wow. That would be amazing.
(3:03 - 3:13)
That's where these AI-powered platforms come into play, and it's pretty revolutionary. Yeah, it is. And it's all thanks to those incredible advancements in AI technology.
(3:13 - 3:15)
Yeah. Take SpeechRater, for example. Okay.
(3:15 - 3:26)
It uses these sophisticated algorithms to analyze your speech patterns and compare them to native speakers. So it's going beyond what even a human tutor might catch. Exactly.
(3:26 - 3:39)
It gives you insights into your pronunciation, your fluency, your vocabulary. It's like having a language expert right in your pocket. So how does that actually work? It sounds almost magical, like this AI can listen to you speak and just magically know how to help you.
(3:39 - 4:02)
Well, the magic is in the algorithms, right? They analyze things like your intonation, the pauses you take, how you stress words and syllables. By comparing all these nuances to this huge database of native speakers, the AI can pinpoint exactly where your pronunciation might need a little adjustment. So it's not just about whether you're saying the words correctly.
(4:02 - 4:07)
It's about how you're saying them, the rhythm and flow of your speech. Precisely. That's incredible.
(4:08 - 4:15)
Yeah. I bet that level of feedback can be super valuable, especially when you're trying to get those speaking skills up for a test like the TOEFL. It absolutely is.
(4:15 - 4:29)
And think about the accessibility this creates. Oh, yeah. A student in a remote village, maybe with limited access to those qualified English teachers, they can now get this high-quality TOEFL prep through these AI-powered tools.
(4:30 - 4:36)
So AI is breaking down geographical barriers. Exactly. And making these resources available to anyone, anywhere.
(4:36 - 4:44)
It's what people mean when they talk about AI democratizing education. Yeah, it's leveling the playing field, giving everyone a chance to succeed no matter where they are or their background. Right.
(4:45 - 4:52)
And this impact goes way beyond just test prep. Right. These AI tools can help anyone looking to improve their English communication skills.
(4:53 - 4:58)
Absolutely. Whether it's for academics, career advancement, or just personal growth. For sure.
(4:58 - 5:07)
But what about teachers? Like, does AI replace them? Well, that's a question a lot of people have. And it's important to remember AI is a tool. Right.
(5:07 - 5:28)
Not a replacement. Think of it as augmenting what teachers can do, making their work more effective and personalized. AI can handle those repetitive tasks, like providing basic feedback on pronunciation or grammar, freeing up teachers to focus on more complex aspects of language learning, like fostering critical thinking skills and cultural understanding.
(5:29 - 5:33)
So it's more of a collaboration than a competition. I think so. Which makes a lot of sense.
(5:33 - 5:45)
Honestly, it probably makes the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable for both the students and the teachers. I agree. And as this technology keeps evolving, we can expect even more sophisticated and personalized tools.
(5:45 - 5:55)
Yeah, that's true. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's come back to the research for a minute and explore some of the specific challenges the study identified. Okay, good point.
(5:56 - 6:19)
We touched on the fear of making mistakes, the tendency to translate directly from one's native language. What are some other hurdles students face when it comes to TOEFL speaking? Well, one of the biggest challenges the research highlights is this feeling of having nothing to say, of drawing a blank when faced with a speaking prompt. I can definitely relate to that.
(6:19 - 6:24)
Yeah. It's like your mind goes completely blank, even if you know the vocabulary and grammar. Right.
(6:24 - 6:35)
What are some of the reasons behind that? It's often a combination of factors. Sometimes it's that test anxiety, you know, the pressure of performing well in that high-stakes situation. Of course.
(6:35 - 6:50)
Other times it's a lack of familiarity with the types of topics that come up in the speaking section. So you might know how to talk about your family, your hobbies, but then you get a prompt about, let's say, the impact of technology on society, and you freeze up. Exactly.
(6:50 - 7:04)
And that's where these AI tools can be incredibly helpful. Okay. Many platforms now offer practice prompts that mirror the actual TOEFL, allowing you to get comfortable with the format and the types of topics you might encounter.
(7:05 - 7:14)
Some even use AI to generate personalized prompts based on your interests and current skill level. That's so smart. It takes the guesswork out of practicing.
(7:14 - 7:18)
Exactly. And it helps you focus on the areas you need the most help with. Yeah.
(7:18 - 7:23)
But let's go back to that fear of making mistakes for a second. Right. It's something that the research emphasized.
(7:24 - 7:28)
Uh-huh. And I think it holds a lot of people back from speaking confidently. Absolutely.
(7:28 - 7:32)
It's a common hurdle for language learners. Yeah. Especially when you're being evaluated.
(7:32 - 7:42)
Mm-hmm. But AI can help create a safe space for practicing and making mistakes without judgment. Think of it like having a patient and supportive practice partner who's always available.
(7:43 - 7:50)
That's a really good point. So with AI, you can experiment with different phrases, work on your pronunciation, and get that instant feedback. Exactly.
(7:50 - 7:57)
Without feeling self-conscious. Yeah. And that constant feedback loop is really crucial for improvement, isn't it? It is.
(7:57 - 8:10)
AI can analyze your speech, identify areas where you might be struggling, and then suggest targeted exercises or resources. So it's like having a personalized study plan that adapts to your needs. Precisely.
(8:10 - 8:18)
It's like having a personal trainer, but for your speaking skills. Mm-hmm. And this personalized aspect is what I find so fascinating about AI in education.
(8:18 - 8:22)
Mm-hmm. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach anymore. I agree.
(8:22 - 8:32)
AI can really cater to your specific needs. Yeah. Whether you need help with pronunciation, grammar, or even building vocabulary for specific topics you're going to be discussing on the TOEFL.
(8:32 - 8:36)
Absolutely. And that brings us back to another challenge highlighted in the research. Okay.
(8:36 - 8:45)
The tendency to translate directly from your native language often leads to grammatical errors. Yeah. And can make your speech sound unnatural.
(8:45 - 8:57)
All right. I remember the research paper mentioning how students would structure their English sentences mirroring their native language, which of course leads to mistakes. AI-powered tools can help break those ingrained habits.
(8:57 - 9:09)
Right. By providing those real-time corrections and explanations, they can even analyze your speech patterns and identify if you're relying too heavily on your native language's structure. That's incredibly helpful.
(9:09 - 9:22)
It's like having a grammar detective on your side, helping you to think in English and express yourself more naturally. Precisely. AI can help bridge that gap between how you think in your native language and how you need to structure your thoughts in English.
(9:23 - 9:37)
And it's not just about grammar, right? AI can also help with vocabulary. Like there are tools that can analyze your speech and suggest more advanced or nuanced words to use, you know, extending your vocabulary in a way that's relevant to your speaking goals. Absolutely.
(9:37 - 9:49)
AI can help you move beyond those basic vocabulary lists and start using the kind of language that will really impress the TOEFL examiners. It's about helping you sound more fluent and sophisticated. Yeah.
(9:49 - 10:02)
In your spoken English. And that can make a huge difference in your confidence level too, right? Knowing that you're using the right words and expressing yourself clearly can give you that extra boost you need to perform well in that speaking section. It definitely can.
(10:02 - 10:07)
And this is just the beginning. AI's impact on language learning is constantly evolving. Right.
(10:07 - 10:12)
We're seeing new tools and platforms emerging all the time. That's true. And we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
(10:13 - 10:29)
It's mind-blowing to think about where this technology could go in the future. I'm imagining things like virtual reality simulations where you can practice speaking English in these immersive environments. Or AI-powered language exchange platforms that connect you with native speakers for real-time conversations.
(10:29 - 10:39)
Those are fantastic examples. And the best part is much of this technology is becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. It's not just for a select few anymore.
(10:39 - 11:09)
So what does all of this mean for someone preparing for the TOEFL? Like how can you actually use these AI tools to improve your speaking score? It means you have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage technology to achieve your goals. AI can provide that personalized support, targeted feedback, and immersive learning experiences that can truly make a difference in your TOEFL journey. It's like having a whole team of language experts at your fingertips ready to help you succeed.
(11:09 - 11:24)
And the beauty of it is it's all available on your own time at your own pace. And as the technology keeps advancing, we can only imagine how much more powerful and personalized these tools will become. It's an exciting time to be a language learner, that's for sure.
(11:24 - 11:32)
But with all this talk about AI, it's important to remember that it's a tool. Right. And like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it.
(11:33 - 11:36)
Right. You can't just like download an app and just magically become fluent. Yeah.
(11:36 - 11:41)
You still have to put in the work. Absolutely. Practice regularly and engage with the material.
(11:41 - 11:50)
You can't just rely on technology alone. Exactly. It can provide guidance and feedback and all that support, but it can't replace your own dedication.
(11:50 - 11:56)
Right. And your own motivation. It's like having a really fantastic set of training wheels, but you still got to learn to ride the bike.
(11:56 - 12:05)
Exactly. So speaking of resources, we've got some great ones lined up for you. If you're ready to kind of explore the world of AI-powered language learning.
(12:05 - 12:15)
Yeah. And see how it can help you conquer that TOEFL speaking section. We'll be sharing links to some of the platforms we discussed today, as well as some articles and guides that go a little deeper into the research behind AI.
(12:16 - 12:18)
Okay. And language acquisition. Sounds good.
(12:18 - 12:23)
It's really a treasure trove of information. Waiting to be discovered. Exactly.
(12:23 - 12:35)
And we'll include everything in the show notes for this episode so you can easily find it. Perfect. So as you're embarking on your TOEFL journey, just remember, you have more power and resources at your fingertips than ever before.
(12:35 - 12:41)
That's true. Embrace the potential of AI, but don't forget the importance of your own hard work. Right.
(12:42 - 12:48)
And dedication. It's a partnership. And remember, learning a language, it's a journey, not a destination.
(12:49 - 12:55)
So true. Enjoy the process. Embrace those challenges and never stop exploring new ways to improve.
(12:55 - 12:58)
Fantastic advice. Well, thanks for having me. This was great.
(12:58 - 13:09)
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the world of TOEFL success and the AI revolution in language learning. We can't wait to see how you use this knowledge to achieve your goals. Until next time, happy learning.
