A speech platform architecture is described that provides standardized methods of interaction for users across multiple speech-enabled applications. Listener objects corresponding to speech-enabled applications are used to provide speech functionality to the speech-enabled applications. A common "What Can I Say?" user interface allows users to easily understand what voice commands are available for a particular speech-enabled application. A common configuration user interface is provided that allows users to configure each listener object. Utilization of particular interfaces provides for the common functionality described. As a result of providing common interfaces, users can more easily learn and use multiple speech-enabled applications utilized with a speech system.