A method for detecting speech utterances within a telephone call can include the steps of initializing a componentized voice server having at least one software-based speech detection routine. At least one previously established parameter can be used to discern a speech detection methodology for handling an incoming call. The software-based speech detection routine can be set in accordance with a select one of the parameters. An indicator of particular one of the parameters can be conveyed to an external speech detection component so that the external speech detection component is set to detect speech for the call in accordance with the conveyed indication. The software-based speech detection routine and/or the external speech detection component can detect a speech utterance for the call. The voice server can perform at least one programmatic action responsive to the detecting of the speech utterance.