Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are discussed that enhance communications. One aspect of the invention includes a method for enhancing communications between individuals. The method includes setting a call placement via a piece of software that manages voice data, calling a target phone number to reach a target, calling a callback phone number to reach the subscriber, and connecting a subscriber to the target. The act of connecting connects the subscriber to the target when the target phone number is answered by the target after which the subscriber answers the callback phone number. The act of connecting connects the target to the subscriber via a connection that bypasses a local exchange carrier.

Abstract: A call management system provides an Internet call management service that permits a subscriber to receive information about incoming calls, and provides a personal message to the caller over a voice channel. The caller may be given a personal notification, as a spoken audio message that includes the callers's name, advising the caller that a personal message is forthcoming and requesting that the caller stand by to receive the personal message. The subscriber enters the personal message as text, which is transmitted over a data channel to the call management system. The call management system converts the text message into speech, and then “reads” the message as a spoken, audio message to the caller, using the voice channel over which the call was received by the call management system.