Mastering Duolingo’s "Listen Then Speak" Feature: The Ultimate Guide

The Listen Then Speak Duolingo exercise plays an audio clip of a word or sentence, which you must repeat aloud. Duolingo’s AI checks your pronunciation and gives feedback.

Where It Appears

• This feature is available in most language courses (like Spanish, French, and English), though not all languages support it yet. 
• The Duolingo English Test (DET) it’s a key speaking task where you listen and respond to prompts under timed conditions.

How It Differs from Other Speaking Exercises

• While standard speaking exercises require translating or forming original sentences, "Listen Then Speak" focuses on mimicking native pronunciation. 
• This helps with accent reduction and fluency.

How Voice Recognition Works

• Duolingo’s AI compares your speech to native recordings. Green highlights indicate correct pronunciation, while no highlight or a red mark means an error. 
• The system checks clarity, pacing, and intonation—not just word accuracy.

This feature trains multiple language skills simultaneously, making it one of Duolingo’s most potent tools.
 

• Improves Pronunciation Accuracy: Repeating native speakers helps internalise correct sounds, especially for tricky phonemes like the French "u" versus "ou."
• Boosts Listening and Speaking Fluency: It trains your ear to recognise spoken words faster and improves speaking reflexes, reducing hesitation in honest conversations.
• Teaches Natural Rhythm and Intonation: By mimicking native speakers, you learn proper sentence stress and pacing, preventing robotic speech.
• Builds Speaking Confidence: Frequent practice reduces fear of speaking, making it ideal for shy learners.

Follow these steps to get the most out of "Listen Then Speak."

Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Look for the microphone icon in lessons, indicating speaking exercises.
• Listen carefully to the audio, paying attention to tone and pacing.
• Tap the mic and speak clearly.
• Check feedback—green means good, and red means try again.
   

Tips for Best Results
 

• Use headphones with a built-in mic for better clarity.
• Avoid background noise like fans or TV.
• Position your phone correctly—too close can cause distortion.

Understanding Feedback

A full green bar means perfect pronunciation. Partial green means minor errors, while no highlight indicates mispronunciation or a mic issue.

If the feature isn’t working correctly, try these solutions.

Microphone Issues
 

• Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Duolingo > Permissions and enable microphone access.
• iOS: Check Settings > Privacy > Microphone to ensure Duolingo has permission.
   

Speech Recognition Errors
 

• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Ensure a stable internet connection.
• Restart the app or device if problems persist.
   

Missing Feature
 

• Verify that your language course supports speaking exercises.
• Check app settings to ensure speaking tasks are enabled.

To go beyond essential repetition, try these strategies.

• Shadowing Technique: Repeat sentences immediately after hearing them without pausing. This improves fluency and rhythm.

• Recording Yourself: Compare your pronunciation to the native speaker’s version to spot differences.

• Minimal Pairs Practice: Work on similar-sounding words (like "ship" vs. "sheep") to refine accent and clarity.

• Using External Tools: Apps like ELSA or Speechling can supplement Duolingo for more detailed pronunciation feedback.

The DET includes a "Listen Then Speak" section that evaluates fluency.

Test Format

You’ll hear a prompt and have 90 seconds to respond. Scoring is based on fluency, vocabulary, and intonation.

Preparation Tips

• Practice structuring answers clearly within the time limit.
• Use sample DET questions to familiarise yourself with the format.
• Focus on natural pacing—don’t rush or speak too slowly.

Duolingo continuously enhances its speaking features.
 

• AI-Powered Video Calls (Duolingo Max): A new interactive feature lets you practice conversations with AI characters like Lily.
• Better Speech Recognition: Updates to the AI model make feedback more accurate over time.
• Expanded Language Support: More courses will include Duolingo speaking exercises in future updates.