Abstract: A method includes obtaining a speech signal. The method also includes predicting a first likelihood of a wake word or phrase being spoken in the speech signal using a first machine learning model trained to receive the speech signal as input. The method further includes, responsive to the first likelihood exceeding a first threshold, performing automatic speech recognition on the speech signal to determine a textual representation of the speech signal. The method also includes predicting a second likelihood of the wake word or phrase being spoken in the speech signal using a second machine learning model trained to receive at least one of the textual representation, audio features associated with the speech signal, and context features associated with the electronic device. In addition, the method includes, responsive to the second likelihood exceeding a second threshold, generating instructions to perform an action requested in the speech signal.