``I don't have the money to go to an English conversation school, but can I practice English with ChatGPT?'' - There are actually quite a lot of people who have tried it, but I don't feel like I'm improving.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is extremely excellent as an English conversation practice partner. However, if you use it incorrectly, you'll end up just chatting with the AI.

In this article, we will explain everything from how to use ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode as of February 2026, to 5 bad habits that people who have not improved their English skills tend to do, and tips for prompts to maximize their effectiveness.

What is ChatGPT's voice mode? How can it be used in English conversation?

ChatGPT is equipped with a "voice mode" that allows you to communicate directly with your voice, in addition to the normal mode where you communicate via text. Advanced Voice Mode, released in September 2024, enables natural interactions as if you were speaking with a human.

Roughly speaking, you can do the following.

  • Real-time English conversation: Speak in English to your smartphone and the AI will respond in English
  • Pronunciation feedback: Ask them to "check my pronunciation" and they will tell you where to improve
  • Role play: Practice in different situations, such as ordering at a restaurant, checking in at the airport, or a work meeting.
  • Accent switching: You can speak in your favorite accent, such as American English, British English, Australian English, etc.

As of February 2026, voice mode is also available in the free plan. However, the free plan has a limit of switching to normal mode in about 15 minutes. ChatGPT Plus ($20/month/approximately 3,000 yen) can be used with almost no restrictions.

Considering that you can have unlimited English conversation 24 hours a day for 3,000 yen a month, it's a much better deal than online English conversation (the average price is 6,000 to 10,000 yen per month).

Steps to start English conversation in voice mode [iPhone/Android]

For those who want to try using it right away, we will introduce the setup procedure. Although you can use the voice function on the PC version, we recommend using the smartphone app as it is easier.

Step 1: Update the app to the latest version

App Store (iPhone) or Google Please update the ChatGPT app to the latest version on Play (Android).

Step 2: Tap on the headphones icon

Tap the headphone icon (🎧 mark) at the bottom right of the chat screen to start voice conversation mode. If you see an animated blue sphere on your screen, it means you're connected in Advanced Voice Mode.

Step 3: Talk to you in English

You can just talk to them in English. A good first sentence is "Hi, I want to practice English conversation. Could you be my conversation partner?"

Point: It is OK to start by saying in Japanese, ``I would like to practice conversation in English.My English level is beginner.'' ChatGPT will adjust the difficulty level of English according to your level.

5 bad habits that people who don't improve their English tend to do

There is a common pattern among people who have started English conversation with ChatGPT but feel that they are not making any progress. We have compiled a list of common bad habits based on RareJob English Conversation Survey and experiences on X (formerly Twitter).

NG①: Do not ask for feedback

ChatGPT's voice mode tends to ignore mistakes unless you ask. It's fun to have an uninterrupted conversation, but you can't learn even if you're using incorrect English.

Countermeasure: Get into the habit of asking, "Could you point out any grammar mistakes I made?" at the end of a conversation. Alternatively, we recommend setting the first prompt to ``If you make a mistake during the conversation, please point it out right away.''

NG②: Conversing only in simple English

ChatGPT is a friendly AI that adjusts to the other person's level, so if you use only simple expressions, AI will respond in simple English. It's comfortable, but there's no growth.

Solution: Try saying, "Please use natural, native-level English. Don't simplify for me." It's a little tough, but this is real practice.

NG③: Do not check pronunciation

Voice recognition is pretty smart, so even if your pronunciation is a little bad, it can guess it from the context and understand. This can be a trap, and people may mistakenly think that they are ``understanding'' without improving their pronunciation.

Measures: It is effective to listen to "Please check my pronunciation of this word: [word]" individually, or to use a pronunciation-specific app like ELSA Speak. ChatGPT is just a "conversation practice partner", and it is better to leave pronunciation correction to a dedicated tool.

NG④: Always talk on the same topic

Do you only talk about your hobbies and your weekend plans? Because you only use the same words and expressions on the same topic, your vocabulary will not expand.

Countermeasure: Ask ChatGPT to give you a question. If you say "Give me a random conversation topic I haven't tried before," it will suggest a variety of situations, such as a business meeting, trouble at a travel destination, or explaining your symptoms to a doctor.

NG⑤: Keep talking and don't look back

Have you had a conversation for 30 minutes and ended with "I did my best today!"? Conversation without reflection is just chatter.

Solution: Once the conversation is over, switch to text mode and ask, "Please summarize our conversation and list 3 expressions I should learn from it." A review list will be created automatically.

3 prompts to maximize effectiveness [Copy and paste OK]

Before practicing English conversation with ChatGPT, by sending system prompts first, the learning effect will be greatly improved. Shane English Conversation and PROGRIT's article.

① Strict English Teacher Prompt

Send the following at the beginning of the chat, then switch to voice mode. 

You are a strict but friendly English teacher. During our conversation: 
- Correct my grammar mistakes immediately 
- Suggest more natural expressions when I sound unnatural 
- Ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going 
- At the end, give me a summary of my mistakes and 3 new expressions to learn 
My English level is [beginner/intermediate/advanced].

② Role play prompt by scene

Let's do a role-play. You are a waiter at a restaurant in New York. 
I am a customer. Please stay in character throughout. 
If I make a mistake, note it but stay in character. 
After the role-play, break character and give me feedback on my English.

③Business English prompt

I want to practice business English for meetings. 
You are my colleague. We are discussing [a project deadline / budget planning / a new product launch]. 
Use professional but natural English. 
If I use informal language, suggest a more professional alternative.

Please change the [square brackets] part of these prompts to suit your level and scene.

Can you become fluent in English just by using ChatGPT? Honest conclusion

Some of you may have read this far and thought, "If I have ChatGPT, I don't need an English conversation school!" But to be honest, ChatGPT alone has its limits.

What ChatGPT is good at

  • Grammar/vocabulary feedback
  • Easy to practice 24 hours a day
  • It lowers the hurdle for beginners to "speak in English"
  • Repeat practical scenes over and over again with role play

Things I don't like about ChatGPT

  • Detailed pronunciation correction (phoneme level instruction is still weak)
  • Reproducing the speed and pauses of a real conversation
  • Strictness of not letting your English pass (you are too kind if you don't ask)
  • Cultural nuances and realistic use of slang and informal expressions

In other words, ChatGPT is the most powerful tool at the stage of ``getting used to speaking English'', but at the stage of ``wanting to get your pronunciation closer to native-like'' or ``improving English skills that can be used in real business,'' it is best to use it in conjunction with online English conversation or an app specializing in pronunciation.

FAQ

Can I use ChatGPT's voice mode for free?

Yes, as of February 2026, Advanced Voice Mode is available even on the free plan. However, the free plan has a limit of switching to standard mode in about 15 minutes. If you want to use it without restrictions, we recommend subscribing to ChatGPT Plus ($20 per month).

Can I check my pronunciation with ChatGPT?

Although it is possible to some extent, it is not as accurate as professional pronunciation correction tools. ChatGPT's speech recognition makes inferences based on the context, so even if your pronunciation is a little bad, it will be understood. If you want to seriously improve your pronunciation, we recommend using it in conjunction with a pronunciation-specific app such as ELSA Speak.

Can English beginners practice English conversation with ChatGPT?

Yes. If you first tell them, "My English level is beginner. Please use simple words and speak slowly," they will match your level. It is OK to start by giving the instruction in Japanese, ``I am a beginner in English, so please speak slowly and in simple English.''

Can I use voice mode on a PC?

As of February 2026, the voice input function is also available on the PC version of ChatGPT (browser version/desktop app version). However, we recommend the smartphone app version as it has more features and allows for easier practice.

References