Abstract: A voice controlled voice-messaging systems permits manipulation of voice messages over the telephone without the need for keypressed commands. Manipulation includes playback of messages, deletion of messages, saving messages, and sending a new message to a recipient from a user-defined list. Access to the messaging system is by spoken password. Voice input also allows the following functions: enrollment of a spoken password; granting or refusing user access to the system based on verification of the user speaking a password; recognition of spoken utterances of "yes" and "no" in response to prompts by the VMS; recognition of "stop" to interrupt and stop a voice message during playback; enrollment of a spoken personal directory of names of potential message recipients; and recognition of names in the spoken personal directory.