a method and apparatus for providing a telephone user with automated attendant functions with numerous selectable options . the options include selecting one of many greetings to be given to the caller before putting the caller on hold or sending the caller to voice mail , recording a new greeting for the caller after learning the caller &# 39 ; s identity , re - routing the call and adding an audio message to be delivered to the substitute called party before the call is connected . a display screen with a cursor is used to facilitate presentation of information and options to the telephone user and selection of options by the telephone user .