The present invention provides a method for a user of a portable electronic device to respond to a received electronic message. Instructions for reply and message identification are appended to the electronic message to enable a response. The recipient replies by placing a telephone call to a server phone number. After authentication, a voice message is recorded, and, once approved by the sender, the message is converted to an archivable form. The recorded message is sent as an attachment to a text email message to the sender of the original electronic message.