A system and method for automatically segmenting content from an instant messaging transcript and applying commands contained within the content segments is disclosed. The system includes a segment finding program, a command fording program, and a command list. The segment finding program identifies topic shifts in the IM conversation. The command finding program searches the identified topic segments for commands. Upon finding a command, the command finding program locates an appropriate action within the command list and executes it after obtaining user permission if so specified. The system works in conjunction with an IM program having functions to allow each user to control the segment finding and command finding programs.