A graphical call status presentation system. A computer implemented method indicates the status of a communication session using graphical user interface elements. The graphical user interface elements are displayed on a toolbar which can be part of a desktop application or the computer operating system. A state persistence agent in conjunction with application-specific macros controls the graphical user interface elements. The system keeps a user informed of the status of various components of a communication session and also prevents the user from trying to activate functions which cannot be used.