This study article examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven training on enhancing English language speaking skills and promoting self-directed learning in practical settings. In the current educational landscape, AI-based apps have demonstrated their capacity to be transformative tools, stimulating learners’ enthusiasm for facilitating interactive language acquisition activities. The research involved 120 engineering students studying English as a Second Language (ESL), who were randomly allocated to either an experimental group getting AI-based education or a control group receiving conventional instruction. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted to assess the students’ English-speaking proficiency and self-directed learning capabilities, employing the Rosetta Stone mobile application, which has diverse speaking tasks, targeted workouts, pronunciation feedback, and a voice recognition mechanism. The findings demonstrated that the experimental group had notable enhancements in the components of speaking skills—accuracy, vocabulary, fluency, and pronunciation—relative to the control group. The results indicate that AI-driven training significantly improves English speaking abilities in ESL students and strengthens their self-regulatory mechanisms. These findings illustrate the capability of AI technology to improve language learning experiences and foster learners’ autonomy and cognitive processes in speaking. pronunciation feedback English-speaking Proficiency Second Language (ESL).