Abstract: An interactive telephonic message delivery method and apparatus for providing an intended recipient of a voice message with options as to when the intended recipient will hear the message. Initially, the recipient of the voice mail is directed to indicate that he or she has a touch-tone telephone by generating a recognizable tone through pressing any one of the telephone touch-tone buttons. If the recipient does not generate a recognizable tone before the expiration of a predetermined amount of time, the recipient is informed of a telephone number to dial at a later time from a touch-tone telephone in order to retrieve the message. On the other hand, if the recipient indicates that he or she possesses a touch-tone telephone (i.e., if the recipient generates a recognizable tone), the recipient is then provided with a number of options for processing the message. The recipient then selects particular options by pressing the telephone buttons associated with the particular options.

Abstract: A method employed in conjunction with an audio text or interactive voice mail system which enables a caller utilizing a telephone system to direct the system to deliver a message to a particular person at a specified phone number, date and time. The caller may select a particular message from a list of messages which is to be delivered and may record a personal message for incorporation into the selected message or to be added to the selected message. The name of a person who is to receive the call can be uniquely identified. Prompting for the recipient's telephone number and the date and time at which the message should be delivered, and composing the actual message in preparation for its delivery is also performed.

Abstract: A method employed in conjunction with an audio test or interactive voice mail system which enables a caller utilizing a telephone system to direct the system to deliver a message to a particular person at a specified phone number, date and time. The caller may select a particular message from a list of messages which is to be delivered and may record a personal message for incorporation into the selected message or to be added to the selected message. The name of a person who is to receive the call can be uniquely identified. Prompting for the recipient's telephone number and the date and time at which the message should be delivered, and composing the actual message in preparation for its delivery is also performed.