A system, method and computer-readable storage device are disclosed for managing a mute and unmute feature on a device which is used to communicate data in a communication conference. The method includes detecting, when the device is set to mute, whether the user is speaking and whether the speech is meant for the conference. Background noises are distinguished from the speech of the user. If the user is speaking and the device is set to mute, the device will automatically switch to and unmute setting such that people in the indication conference can hear the user speak. Facial recognition, and gaze detection or other data can also be used to determine when to automatically mute or unmute the device and can aid in inferring an intent of the user to speak to the conference participants.