A system that can deliver a tailored message based upon characteristics surrounding an incoming communication. In one aspect, the system is a targeted voice-mail system that has the capability to provide a unique voice-mail depending upon the communication characteristics which include the identity of caller or the initiator of the call, whether a specific identity or within a group, the identity for which the call is targeted, and the intent of the caller. Additionally, other contextual factors can be considered in generating, locating and/or rendering a tailored response message.