1. A speech categorization system for counting spoken itemized expressions including a voice processor for processing speech and producing in response a waveform representing information relating to said speech, with the waveform defining a high amplitude segment above a predetermined reference level and a low amplitude segment below the predetermined reference level, said system comprising: a sensor that senses said waveform; a timer, connected to said sensor, for generating a first measured duration that varies proportionally with the duration of the high amplitude segments and a second measured duration that varies proportionally with the duration of the low amplitude segments; means for classifying a high amplitude segment into a first category when said first and second measured durations, corresponding to said high amplitude segment and a subsequent adjacent low amplitude segment, satisfy a classification test; and a counter to count said high amplitude segments classified into said first category, wherein said high amplitude segments classified into said first category correspond to said spoken itemized expressions.