A method and apparatus is described for outbound message personalization. A call list containing names and associated phone numbers are given as a starting point. A first or last name is compared to entries in a match table. If a match between names is found, then the index number corresponding to the entry is obtained. The index number is stored in the call list. When the message is ready to be delivered, the stored index number from the call list is retrieved and the stored-digital audio (as addressed by the index number) is converted to speech. Then an index number corresponding to a message body is used to retrieve and convert the message body into speech. In this manner, a personalized message can be created, wherein a large percentage of first names can be stored and used to personalize outbound messages.