Written by: Luan Cavallaro, Founder & CMO, BeConfident

Have you ever used Duolingo and felt that, even though you get the exercises right and recognize words, when it comes to speaking English the words just don't come out? Whether in a work meeting or a casual conversation with a foreigner, many Brazilians face this frustration. Knowing the language does not mean using it naturally in a real conversation.

Mastering vocabulary and grammar through Duolingo is a great start, but it may not be enough to develop conversational fluency. Speaking practice requires skills such as responding quickly, adjusting intonation, and adapting speech to the context, which goes beyond theoretical exercises.

If your goal is to speak English with confidence, this article compares Duolingo with other platforms, including BeConfident, which focuses on conversation with AI tutors. Try it for free and start practicing today with immediate feedback and real-life situations.

Why Duolingo is not enough for speaking practice?

Millions of Brazilians use Duolingo, drawn by its short lessons and gamified style. In Brazil, the app is very popular, with 61% of users learning English. However, its focus is on translation, repetition, and multiple choice, creating only a passive foundation of the language.

Understanding words or completing exercises does not guarantee that you can speak naturally. Speaking English requires quick thinking, accessing vocabulary at the right time, and maintaining flow, even under pressure. Many users report feeling insecure when trying a basic conversation, even after months on the app.

Repetitive phrasing and incorrect pronunciation validation are common limitations pointed out by users. This shows that the app does not replicate the unpredictable dynamics of a real conversation.

Criteria for choosing a speaking practice platform

Do you want to develop conversational fluency? A few points are essential when evaluating a learning platform. See what really matters to step away from theoretical knowledge and speak real English.

1. Frequent conversational practice: varied and natural dialogues, from casual to professional topics, simulating real situations with interruptions and changes of subject.

2. Immediate feedback: real-time corrections on pronunciation, grammar, and word choice, with clear explanations and practical alternatives.

3. Schedule flexibility: possibility to practice at any time, whether on the commute to work or during lunch break, without relying on appointments.

4. Variety of accents: exposure to different forms of English, such as American, British, or Australian, to deal with speakers from various places.

5. Personalization: adjusting content to your level, goals, and difficulties, ensuring learning is aligned with your needs.

Comparison: Duolingo and options focused on speaking practice

To decide which platform best meets the goal of speaking English, check how each one performs in the criteria above. The table below details the main alternatives in the Brazilian market.

Duolingo: good to start, limited for speaking

Duolingo is accessible and engaging for beginners, with quick lessons that help with basic vocabulary and grammar. Its pronunciation exercises and stories attempt to include speaking practice, but they do not reflect the spontaneity of a real conversation.

Answering predictable questions or repeating isolated sentences does not prepare you for situations like misunderstandings or flowing dialogues. Furthermore, pronunciation feedback is not always reliable, which can build habits that are hard to correct.

Popular apps like Duolingo have great reach, but do not deliver the depth necessary for speaking practice. This reinforces the need to seek alternatives focused on conversation.

Other options in the market: strengths and weaknesses

Platforms like Cambly and Preply connect students with native tutors, allowing authentic conversations with cultural nuances and natural expressions. However, the high cost and variable quality of tutors can make the regular practice necessary for fluency difficult.

ELSA Speak, on the other hand, helps with pronunciation with detailed feedback via AI. Although useful, its focus on isolated words and sentences does not offer the full experience of a conversation, limiting its impact on overall fluency.

BeConfident: unlimited speaking practice with AI

BeConfident was developed to help Brazilians speak English naturally, using AI tutors that simulate native speakers from different backgrounds. You can practice at any time, via WhatsApp or app, in varied scenarios, such as ordering something in a store or discussing work.

Feedback is given on the spot, covering grammar, pronunciation, and fluency. Study plans adjusted to your pace and goals ensure relevance in learning. There are also features like audio translation, support in Portuguese, and even a monthly ranking to motivate the most active users.

Try it for free and feel the difference of practicing real conversation with AI and gaining confidence to speak.

Who can benefit from speaking practice with BeConfident?

Different profiles of Brazilians find BeConfident to be a solution to improve their conversational English. See how the platform meets specific needs.

1. Professionals and students: practice at any time for meetings or presentations, adapting to busy routines via WhatsApp or app.

2. Travelers and Brazilians abroad: prepare for diverse accents and cultural contexts, facing real situations of international communication.

3. Those who have tried other methods: an approach centered on unlimited practice helps overcome previous frustrations and builds confidence to speak without fear.

Benefits of prioritizing speaking practice in learning

Focusing on conversation brings advantages that go beyond the language, impacting your personal and professional life in a lasting way.

1. Autonomy in study: practice when you can, without depending on fixed schedules, using WhatsApp or app to integrate learning into your daily life.

2. Confidence when speaking: overcome insecurity with constant practice, feeling prepared to talk in any situation.

3. Concrete results: more than 25,000 students in 62 countries have already used BeConfident, reporting progress in fluency and vocabulary at an affordable cost.

Common questions about speaking practice

Is Duolingo enough to achieve conversational fluency?

It is great for vocabulary and initial grammar, but it does not simulate the complexity of a real conversation. Its repetition exercises do not prepare you for situations like meetings or spontaneous dialogues. Complementing with a speaking practice platform is essential for anyone who wants to speak with confidence.

Does AI practice work for conversation?

Yes, especially with tools like BeConfident. You practice at any time, without embarrassment, receive immediate feedback, and get used to different accents. It is an effective step to gain confidence before speaking with natives.

How does BeConfident differ from other AI apps?

It prioritizes natural conversation with AI tutors who have unique personalities and accents. Available via WhatsApp and app, it offers detailed feedback and adapted plans, focusing on what you need to improve.

Who benefits most from BeConfident?

Adult Brazilians who want English for work, travel, or studies, especially those with busy routines who look for flexibility and constant conversation practice.

How long does it take to notice progress?

This depends on your initial level and dedication, but regular practice with BeConfident can bring improvements in weeks. 24/7 availability makes it easy to maintain consistency.

Conclusion: take the next step to speak English with confidence

Many Brazilians start learning English with apps like Duolingo, master the basics, but freeze when it comes time to speak. This difficulty is not your fault, but rather the result of methods that do not put speaking practice as a priority.

Platforms like Cambly offer human contact, but the cost and inconsistency make frequent practice difficult. On the other hand, solutions like ELSA help with specific aspects, but do not cover the full experience of family conversations.

BeConfident focuses on unlimited practice with AI, available at any time, with immediate feedback and day-to-day scenarios. It is a practical option for Brazilians who want to gain fluency without schedule or cost barriers.

If you want to overcome insecurity when speaking English, start now. Try it for free and discover how real practice makes a difference. Your fluency starts in the next conversation.