Speak is known as a language app that puts speaking first from the very first lesson; it is widely used by English learners in Korea and Japan and is backed by OpenAI. It describes its method as a three-step loop: learn the phrases native speakers use, practise them until they feel natural, then apply them in real conversation with an AI tutor. In other words, a structured, sequential course.
TalkSmart is structured differently. Instead of a course line there are speaking modes: free conversation, real-life role-play scenes, an IELTS Speaking mock test and a sector-specific job interview. You choose what to practise; alongside speaking, grammar lessons are ordered by CEFR level.
Two ways of learning
- Following a course: each day you open the next lesson and the app decides what you learn. The advantage is no decision fatigue and a steady sense of progress — a comfortable path for someone who wants to improve their speaking in general.
- Practising for a goal: you have a specific situation ahead — an interview in three weeks, IELTS in two months, meetings in English at a new job. You rehearse that situation again and again. The advantage is that your time goes straight to the goal.
Which one, when
- You want to improve your speaking in general and do not want to decide what to study each day: a sequential course is a good frame.
- You have a goal with a date (an interview, IELTS, an application abroad): being able to practise that exact scenario matters. TalkSmart's IELTS mock test gives a band estimate, and interview mode ends with a readiness level and action items.
- You want the interface in your own language: TalkSmart works in 14 languages.
- You want to practise from a computer too: TalkSmart also runs in the browser.
Learning phrases and speaking
What both approaches share is that ready-made phrases matter for fluency. If you want to work on phrases separately, the everyday English phrases guide has a list organised by situation, and the guide to speaking fluently covers the techniques that build fluency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Speak and TalkSmart?
Both put speaking at the centre. Speak is known for a sequential course method that teaches phrases and applies them in conversation; in TalkSmart you choose between modes such as free conversation, role-play, IELTS and job interview according to your goal.
Is a course or free practice more effective?
It depends on your goal. For general improvement with no deadline, a regular course is a good frame; for a specific goal like an interview or exam, practising that scenario directly uses your time better. You can also combine them.
Can I try TalkSmart for free?
Yes. Every free account includes one speaking session, and the grammar and vocabulary modules are free with a daily allowance. It runs on iPhone and in the browser.
Want to practise this out loud?
TalkSmart gives you a live AI examiner — cue cards, timing and band scores included.