a system and method for voice controlled message retrieval . each message stored in a voice mail system has an associated header and return address . the system generates and stores a speech recognition template from each unique header . when a subscriber wishes to retrieve a message , the subscriber speaks the header . the subscriber &# 39 ; s speech is then compared with the speech recognition templates stored in the system . if a matching template is found , the system plays the message associated with the header from which the template was generated . additionally , the subscriber can tag certain callers and cause the system to apply special treatment to messages from tagged callers . moreover , the subscriber can reply to a caller calling from outside the system .