How to practice speaking skills with language exchange apps

One of the most significant moments in your language learning journey is when you realize that understanding a language and speaking it are two very different skills. Rote memorization is quite straightforward, and with time, you may notice that you can confidently follow your favorite podcasts or audiobooks. However, without practice in developing your speaking skills, you might find yourself freezing during basic conversations.

Speaking is a skill that gets easier with practice, but you need to dedicate time to doing it, or your progress is likely going to stall. Luckily, thanks to language exchange apps, meaningful conversation practice is no longer limited to traditional classrooms or traveling abroad. You can easily connect with native speakers across the world, build confidence through regular conversations, and get personalized feedback, all from your phone.

This guide explores some of the best apps for practicing speaking, along with practical strategies to help you get the most out of your language exchanges and become a more confident speaker.

Why speaking practice matters

Many learners spend years studying grammar and memorizing vocabulary, yet feel stuck when trying to express themselves. This isn’t because you don’t necessarily know the words, but rather, you haven’t strengthened the neural pathways required to speak in a second language. Doing so requires a unique blend of skills, such as:

• Spontaneous recall of vocabulary
• Real-time sentence formation
• Pronunciation and rhythm
• Listening and responding to another person
• Managing nerves and confidence

You already do all of these things seamlessly, without even thinking about them, in your native language. But you need to nourish learned languages a bit more. Apps that allow you to speak regularly help you practice all of these elements at once, which can accelerate fluency far more than studying alone.

The best apps for practicing speaking skills

There are several great language learning apps to choose from, but not all of them are designed for speaking. They may have bits and pieces to help with pronunciation, but if you want to develop real conversation ability, it’s important to choose a language exchange program based on your needs. Some of the most effective apps available include the following.

Tandem: Best for building consistent, meaningful speaking practice

Among language exchange apps, Tandem stands out for creating a space where learners can form lasting connections and practice speaking in a supportive environment. Instead of randomly being allocated to a native speaker, the app helps you find a language partner based on interests, goals, and learning styles. This makes it easier to find individuals that you genuinely enjoy talking to, which can help with long-term success and language development.

Strengths:

• In-app audio messages for low-pressure practice
• Audio and video calls for real conversation
• Built-in correction tools to guide your learning
• A community focused specifically on language exchange

Since members join with the intention of mutual learning, finding a reliable language partner for regular speaking practice is easy and relatively consistent.

Lingbe: Best for instant, on-the-spot speaking

Lingbe is built for learners who want immediate speaking practice. Instead of searching for language partners, you simply hit a call button and get connected instantly. This can help some learners overcome their anxiety, as it’s more anonymous than searching through profiles and trying to find a good fit, but it also comes with its own issues.

Strengths:

• Quick access to live conversation
• Good for spontaneous speaking practice
• Ideal for learners who want “mini speaking sessions” throughout the week

This style is typically less suited for long-term exchange relationships, but perfect for short bursts of practice. However, it can make some of the conversations feel redundant, with less growth over time.

Speaky: Simple and reliable for on-the-go practice

Speaky offers messaging, voice tools, and a global user base without a lot of extra features. It’s pretty simple and is similar to Tandem in that it allows you to find a language partner and continue conversations with them, rather than randomly speaking with new people each day.

Strengths:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Suitable for quick speaking practice and messaging
• A solid entry-level option for language exchange beginners

Preply: Best if you want structured speaking lessons

Although not a traditional language exchange app, Preply is highly effective for learners who want professional guidance. With a community of language tutors, learners can get help with specific topics, grammar lessons, and more, in addition to their speaking practice.

Strengths:

• Tutors can design speaking-focused lessons
• Great for learners who want personalized strategies
• Helps reinforce progress made through language exchange

Preply works well as a complement to the more informal practice you get from apps like Tandem. However, you can also start with this language learning app if you feel a bit intimidated to find a language partner on other apps.

How to get the most out of speaking practice

Downloading an app is easy, but using it intentionally is when you’ll start to notice the advantages. Whether you’re feeling anxious about speaking or simply don’t feel like you have time, the key is being consistent and doing a little every day. Over time, these habits can help you grow in confidence and maximize your speaking improvement, regardless of your current fluency levels.

1. Warm up before you speak

Think of speaking a new language like warming up before exercise. If you dive straight into a fast-paced conversation, you’ll feel overwhelmed. Instead, do a bit of a warm-up. Start with:

• Short voice notes
• Reading a paragraph aloud
• Repeating tongue twisters or pronunciation drills

This helps activate vocabulary recall and gets your mouth used to the sounds. You can also try singing along to your favorite song in the target language, or rehearsing some phrases you want to practice.

2. Set micro-goals for each exchange

Going into each conversation with intent is also a great way to help maximize your time. So, instead of vague goals like “practice speaking,” choose one small focus. Some good examples to help you get started include:

• Using the past tense naturally
• Improving filler words (“let me think,” “um,” “you know”)
• Asking more questions
• Practicing vocabulary from a recent lesson

Consider sharing your goal at the start of the conversation so your language partner can support you. This way, they can help you with unique pieces of information or cultural idioms that you may not have known about before.

3. Build a conversation cheat sheet

If you’re feeling really anxious and are worried that you might freeze, have something on hand to help. Prepared prompts help conversations flow smoothly and reduce anxiety, but try to use them as a reference instead of reading from them. Some examples to have on your conversation cheat sheet include:

• Self-introduction variations
• Questions about hobbies, work, travel, and studies
• Phrases you want to practice
• Transitions (“By the way…”, “Speaking of…”)
• Ways to ask for clarification

Again, keep it nearby, but don’t rely on it word-for-word. It’s a guide, not a script, and you don’t want to end up needing it for every conversation; that defeats the point!

4. Try to split your conversation equally

Language exchange works best when both chat partners feel supported. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to set a timer and strictly dictate who speaks when. Instead, try to keep things balanced and take on a more casual approach. An example of a simple structure is:

• 15–20 minutes in your target language
• 15–20 minutes in theirs

Of course, these times can vary based on how long your conversation is. You also don’t necessarily need to split things up so neatly, and many language partners find unique ways of sharing the time. The key is to keep the exchange fair and try to reduce confusion during the conversation.

5. Be honest about the help you need

Everyone learns a language differently, and what works for someone might not be the best approach for another. The key is to be honest with your language partner about what you need or how you’d prefer to be helped. This is particularly important when talking about correcting mistakes. Some people like being corrected mid-sentence, while others want their language partner to wait until they’ve finished the sentence. Depending on your preferences, try communicating something along the lines of:

• “Correct only major mistakes so I don’t lose my flow.”
• “Let me try to finish my thought before correcting me.”
• “Can you repeat that slower once?”

The more guidance you give, the better your partner can tailor their feedback.

6. Spark conversations that mirror real-life scenarios

Role-playing is one of the most effective ways to build speaking fluency. It can help you apply your new language skills in real-life scenarios, outside of your structured language exchange. Try practicing:

• Ordering food or drinks
• Introducing yourself in a professional setting
• Checking into a hotel
• Asking for recommendations
• Talking about your job or studies

These simulations reduce panic in real-life moments because you’ve “lived” them before. As you get more advanced, you can move on to more complicated conversations or scenarios, or try more niche topics.

7. Build consistency with one or two reliable language partners

While chatting with many people can be fun, the most progress happens when you connect regularly with one or two language partners. This allows you to grow together and start branching out into more complex topics. Plus, long-term exchange partners:

• Learn your strengths and weaknesses
• Notice subtle progress
• Create a comfortable, low-pressure speaking environment
• Help you stay motivated and accountable

Consistency transforms speaking practice from a challenge into a habit. You may even make some new friends around the world during the process.

Common speaking challenges and how to overcome them

Even experienced learners face obstacles, and it’s completely normal. The key is trying not to panic and remembering that progress takes time. Here’s how to navigate the most common challenges without feeling overwhelmed:

“I understand everything, but can’t speak.”

This usually means your passive knowledge is strong, but you lack retrieval practice. Focus on:

• Low-pressure audio messages
• Repeating short sentences aloud
• Practicing high-frequency phrases

“I keep freezing during conversation.”

You might have the knowledge to form the correct sentence, but your anxiety or fear overtakes the moment, and your mind draws a blank. Try:

• Slowing the conversation pace
• Using filler words to buy time
• Preparing a cheat sheet

“I’m scared of making mistakes.”

Mistakes are a regular, unavoidable part of learning; they can even help solidify new information! Focus on communication, not perfection. Most language partners appreciate honesty and effort more than flawless grammar and will still likely understand what you’re trying to say.

Start practicing your speaking skills with apps today

Speaking is the skill that transforms language learning from an academic exercise into something real and human. And, thanks to language exchange apps, you don’t need to travel abroad to practice. You can start today, from wherever you are, and make meaningful progress through regular, intentional conversations.

Whether you prefer structured sessions with tutors, spontaneous chats with new friends, or ongoing exchanges with long-term language partners, there’s a tool that fits your learning style. To get started, download Tandem, create your profile, and start connecting with people in your target language today.