This action research explored an instructional approach that integrates speaking activities into a university English writing course for first-year students majoring in non-English fields. The course aimed to enhance students’ writing proficiency and engagement through peer-based speaking practice and AI-supported writing. The findings indicate that regular speaking opportunities encouraged deeper engagement with writing. In particular, explicit instruction in active listening skills, along with rotating speaker and listener roles, led students to greater confidence, increased enjoyment, and a stronger sense of purpose and audience awareness.