Provided are methods of decoding speech from the brain of a subject. The methods include detecting speech production signals from electrodes operably coupled to the speech motor cortex of a subject while the subject produces or imagines producing a speech sound. The methods further include deriving a speech production signal pattern from the detected speech production signals, and correlating the speech production signal pattern with a reference speech production signal pattern to decode speech from the brain of the subject. Speech communication systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.