EVERYTHING helps! Every word you speak helps. And don't forget, as Peachey says, there's the chat box (for the words you can't understand until somebody spells it out!) and you can screen share if one of you has Skype Premium. Screen sharing works on Webbex and Google Hangouts too, and probably lots of other video-chat sites. You can put a worksheet or picture on your screen, and then discuss it. I think it helps to have a focus. If you both have a particular area of grammar you want to work on... work on it! Say, "Hey, let's talk about the past, let's talk about what we did last night/last year/when we were kids." Then you can practice the past simple/continuous(progressive) etc. Or vocabulary... set up a dialogue using some phrasal verbs or idioms. Think of a situation where they would be appropriate. Or just chat! But remember (if you are 2 non-native speakers) to check out your new vocab with a native speaker at some point. Check you are using it correctly. Then call your friend again and practice it all again. Consolidate. Check. Consolidate. Never be embarrassed if you have to say something a hundred times to get it right. Ha! You should hear me speaking Portuguese! I have to say even the simplest things a thousand times to get them right.

It's a face-to-face conversation (with chat box), so yes - it does help a lot. In fact, I really hope so, because I teach English on Skype! ;)

Hi, I'd like to be language partners on italki. I'm Ron in New York, USA. I'm happy to help you improve your spoken English. If you need help, please add me to your Skype: ron.jenkins86 And if you want a new friend, lets be friends! :) Thanks and see you soon!

I think yes. I have talked with my virtual friend from America and he helps me improve English through conversation on skype. Especially when we spoke on the video call.

thanks a lot!