Enhancing both receptive and productive skills is crucial in English education. A survey by Kato and Yamada (2022) indicates that university students wish to improve their speaking skills more than the others. However, students think daily English conversation opportunities remain limited (Okayama University, 2023). Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a potential solution by providing extensive practice opportunities for EFL learners.

Besides limited exposure, speaking anxiety is another significant barrier. Kawauchi (2016) found that speaking English in class significantly contributes to EFL learners’ anxiety. However, AI can facilitate practice and help reduce anxiety, as shown by Hapasari and Wu (2022) and Hawanti and Zubaydulloevna (2023).

This study examines the effectiveness of combining AI-driven chatbot speaking practice with English Central and real conversations involving teachers and classmates. Over four months, the participants showed slight improvements in speaking test scores and fluency, along with enhanced TOEIC listening scores. The in-class survey suggests that students found both AI and face-to-face practice beneficial for improving conversational skills.