A communication device capable of screening speech recognizer input includes a microprocessor (110) connected to communication interface circuitry (115), memory (120), audio circuitry (130), an optional keypad (140), a display (150), and a vibrator/buzzer (160). Audio circuitry (130) is connected to microphone (133) and speaker (135). Microprocessor (110) includes a speech/noise classifier and speech recognition technology. Microprocessor (110) analyzes a speech signal to determine speech waveform parameters within a speech acquisition window. Microprocessor (110) compares the speech waveform parameters to determine whether an error exists in the signal format of the speech signal. Microprocessor (110) informs the user when an error exists in the signal format and instructs the user how to correct the signal format to eliminate the error.