A method implemented by one or more processors, the method comprising: processing, using an automatic speech recognition, ASR, model, a stream of audio data to generate a stream of ASR output, the stream of audio data being generated by one or more microphones of a client device of a user, and the stream of audio data capturing a portion of a spoken utterance provided by the user that is directed to an automated assistant implemented at least in part at the client device; processing, using a natural language understanding, NLU, model, the stream of ASR output, to generate a stream of NLU output; determining, based on processing the stream of audio data, audio-based characteristics associated with the portion of the spoken utterance; determining, based on the audio-based characteristics associated with the portion of the spoken utterance, whether the user has paused in providing the spoken utterance or has completed providing the spoken utterance; and the method being characterised in that : in response to determining that the user has paused in providing the spoken utterance, and in response to determining that the automated assistant can initiate fulfillment of the spoken utterance based on at least the stream of NLU output: refraining from initiating fulfillment of the spoken utterance and, rather, determining natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user, the natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user to indicate the automated assistant is waiting for the user to complete providing of the spoken utterance; and causing the natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user via one or more speakers of the client device. processing, using an automatic speech recognition, ASR, model, a stream of audio data to generate a stream of ASR output, the stream of audio data being generated by one or more microphones of a client device of a user, and the stream of audio data capturing a portion of a spoken utterance provided by the user that is directed to an automated assistant implemented at least in part at the client device; processing, using a natural language understanding, NLU, model, the stream of ASR output, to generate a stream of NLU output; determining, based on processing the stream of audio data, audio-based characteristics associated with the portion of the spoken utterance; determining, based on the audio-based characteristics associated with the portion of the spoken utterance, whether the user has paused in providing the spoken utterance or has completed providing the spoken utterance; and the method being characterised in that : in response to determining that the user has paused in providing the spoken utterance, and in response to determining that the automated assistant can initiate fulfillment of the spoken utterance based on at least the stream of NLU output: refraining from initiating fulfillment of the spoken utterance and, rather, determining natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user, the natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user to indicate the automated assistant is waiting for the user to complete providing of the spoken utterance; and causing the natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user via one or more speakers of the client device. refraining from initiating fulfillment of the spoken utterance and, rather, determining natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user, the natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user to indicate the automated assistant is waiting for the user to complete providing of the spoken utterance; and causing the natural conversation output to be provided for audible presentation to the user via one or more speakers of the client device. <EOS>