Abstract: A method for answering a communication includes the steps of receiving an incoming communication sent by a sender and intended for a communication device of a recipient and answering the communication with an injected audio, video, text, and/or graphic message. The injected message indicates to the sender, in effect, that the recipient is presently unable to respond to the communication but is or will be made aware of the communication. The method further includes the step of providing a promise fulfillment feature that alerts the recipient to the communication and any promise to follow-up with the sender made in the injected message.

Abstract: A method for screening incoming communications includes the steps of receiving an incoming communication intended for a communication device or a recipient and identifying a sender of the communication and a communication type, which can includes an email. The method also includes the steps of identifying screening settings based on the sender and the communication type and determining whether the communication is allowed in accordance with the identified settings. Further, the method includes the steps of notifying a recipient of the communication, if the communication is allowed. In addition, the method includes the step of processing the communication without notifying a recipient, if the communication is not allowed.