A method includes: displaying a user interface including an instant messaging conversation between a first person and a second person, the instant messaging conversation displaying content balloons with instant messages exchanged between the first and second person. The method also includes: in accordance with a determination that the second person is typing the instant message, displaying a typed-message-preparation indicator in the user interface of a communication application. The method further includes: in accordance with a determination that the second person is drawing the instant message, displaying a drawn-message-preparation indicator in the user interface of the communication application. In response to receiving the instant message prepared by the second person that corresponds to the displayed message preparation indicator, the method includes: ceasing to display the typed-message-preparation indicator or the drawn-message-preparation indicator, and displaying a content balloon that contains the instant message prepared by the second person in the instant messaging conversation.