Message processing for a communication terminal is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for preparing an outgoing message includes composing the message, programming control information for performing a word spacing function, and associating the outgoing message with the control information. The control information may preferably assert whether to insert spaces between words of the outgoing message. In another embodiment, a method for processing a message includes receiving an incoming message and incoming control information for performing the word spacing function, and arranging the incoming message based on the incoming control information. An unspaced message may be sent, allowing the sending to include more letters, numbers, symbols, or other `non-space characters` in the message. Furthermore, because the message is sent with the control information, the message may be arranged and displayed in spaced-wording format, allowing for easier reading by the message recipient.