Using AI to Create Authentic Speaking Activities

One of the biggest challenges in ESL teaching is creating speaking activities that feel authentic and engaging to students. Traditional textbook dialogues often feel stilted and disconnected from real-world communication. This is where AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize your approach to speaking instruction.

The Problem with Traditional Speaking Activities

Most ESL textbooks rely on scripted dialogues that, while grammatically correct, lack the natural flow and cultural nuances of authentic conversation. Students often struggle to transfer these rehearsed interactions to real-world situations.

How AI Changes the Game

AI tools can generate unlimited variations of speaking scenarios, incorporating:
- Current cultural references
- Natural speech patterns
- Realistic complications and interruptions
- Culturally appropriate responses
- Multiple difficulty levels

Step-by-Step Guide to AI-Generated Speaking Activities

Step 1: Define Your Learning Objectives

Before generating any content, clearly identify what you want students to practice:
- Specific language functions (requesting, complaining, negotiating)
- Grammar structures (conditionals, reported speech)
- Vocabulary themes (travel, technology, relationships)
- Cultural competencies (politeness levels, directness)

Step 2: Craft Effective Prompts

The key to getting useful AI-generated content is in your prompting. Here are some proven formulas:

Basic Structure:
"Create a [level] conversation between [participants] about [topic] that includes [specific language elements] and reflects [cultural context]."

Example Prompts:

*For Intermediate Students:*
"Create a B2-level conversation between a customer and a tech support representative about a smartphone that keeps crashing. Include expressions of frustration, requests for help, and troubleshooting steps. Make it realistic with some miscommunication."

*For Advanced Students:*
"Generate a C1-level discussion between three colleagues debating whether their company should implement a four-day work week. Include persuasive language, counterarguments, and cultural considerations for a multinational workplace."

Step 3: Add Realistic Complications

Real conversations rarely go smoothly. Ask AI to include:
- Interruptions and overlapping speech
- Misunderstandings that need clarification
- Changes in topic or direction
- Emotional responses
- Background noise or distractions

Step 4: Create Multiple Versions

Generate several variations of the same scenario to:
- Accommodate different personality types
- Show various ways to handle the same situation
- Provide options for different cultural backgrounds
- Allow for repeated practice without memorization

Practical Examples

Example 1: Restaurant Complaint (Intermediate)

Prompt: "Create a B1+ conversation between a dissatisfied customer and a restaurant manager about cold food and slow service. Include polite complaint language, explanations, and a resolution. Make it realistic with some back-and-forth negotiation."

AI Output:
Customer: "Excuse me, are you the manager? I'm afraid I need to speak with someone about our experience tonight."

Manager: "Yes, I'm Sarah, the manager. I'm sorry to hear you're having issues. What seems to be the problem?"

Customer: "Well, we've been waiting for over an hour for our main courses, and when they finally arrived, my pasta was completely cold. My partner's steak was overcooked too."

Manager: "Oh no, I'm terribly sorry about that. That's definitely not the standard we aim for. Let me see what I can do to make this right..."

Example 2: Job Interview Role-Play (Advanced)

Prompt: "Create a C1-level job interview conversation for a marketing position at a sustainable fashion company. Include behavioral questions, the candidate asking thoughtful questions about company culture, and some challenging moments where the candidate needs to think on their feet."

Implementation Strategies

1. Scaffolded Practice
- Start with AI-generated model conversations
- Have students identify key phrases and strategies
- Practice with guided role-plays
- Move to improvised variations

2. Cultural Adaptation
Always review AI-generated content for cultural appropriateness and adapt for your specific context:
- Adjust formality levels for local norms
- Include relevant cultural references
- Modify scenarios to reflect students' experiences

3. Student Involvement
- Have students suggest scenarios they want to practice
- Let them modify AI-generated dialogues
- Encourage them to create their own prompts

Advanced Techniques

Multi-Turn Conversations
Ask AI to create longer, more complex interactions:
"Create a 10-minute conversation between roommates discussing household chores, starting with a minor complaint and escalating to a more serious discussion about respect and responsibility."

Character Development
Give participants distinct personalities:
"Create a conversation between an optimistic travel blogger and a pessimistic local tour guide discussing the best hidden gems in the city. Make their contrasting personalities clear through their language choices."

Contextual Variations
Generate the same scenario in different settings:
"Create three versions of a conversation about returning a defective product: one in a small local shop, one in a large department store, and one over the phone with customer service."

Assessment Integration

Use AI-generated scenarios for:
- Formative assessment during practice
- Summative speaking tests
- Self-assessment with recording and reflection
- Peer evaluation activities

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When AI Output Feels Unnatural
- Specify regional language varieties (British vs. American English)
- Ask for more contractions and informal language
- Request specific speech patterns or filler words

When Content Is Too Complex/Simple
- Adjust your level specifications (A2, B1+, C2)
- Provide vocabulary lists to include or avoid
- Specify sentence length and complexity

When Cultural Context Is Off
- Include specific cultural details in your prompts
- Ask for explanations of cultural references
- Request alternatives for different cultural contexts

Conclusion

AI-generated speaking activities offer unprecedented opportunities to create authentic, engaging, and culturally relevant practice opportunities for ESL students. The key is learning to craft effective prompts and adapting the output to your specific teaching context.

Remember: AI is a tool to enhance your creativity, not replace your pedagogical expertise. Always review, adapt, and personalize the content to meet your students' needs.

*Try creating your own AI-generated speaking activity using the techniques in this post. What scenarios would be most relevant for your students?*