“as we speak” or ‘even as we speak’ are idioms which mean: just now; at this very moment. So they have specific application; as:
"I'm sorry, sir," the agent to the late passenger rushing towards the flight, ,"the plane is taking off as we speak."
Take another example:
Tom: Waiter, where is my steak? It's taking a long time.
Waiter: It is being grilled even as we speak, sir.
‘We%