A device and method of detecting a mode of inputting speech to a wireless device includes a processor (220) communicatively coupled to a user input (218), an audio input (206), a timer (211), and a speech processor (230). The processor (220) monitors the user input (218) and, upon detection of a first change in state of the user input (218), opens an input channel from the audio input (206) to the speech processor (230), monitors the timer (211) for an elapsed time, and monitors the user input (218) for a second change of state. Upon detection of the second change of state after a predetermined amount of time elapses, the input channel is closed. Upon detection of the second change of state before a predetermined amount of time elapses, the user input is monitored for a third change of state and upon detecting the third change of state, the input channel is closed.