A method for preparing and automatically updating a greeting on a voice mail system comprising receiving a call to a voice mailbox, selecting a greeting template based on one or more conditions, identifying greeting parameters present within the greeting template, retrieving values for the greeting parameters, and generating a greeting using the values of the greeting parameters in accordance with the greeting template. The method allows the voice mailbox user to better manage incoming calls when the user is not available to accept them. The method further provides a benefit to the caller by providing a greeting that contains information tailored to benefit the caller, thereby helping the caller to decide, for example, whether or not to leave a voice mail message in the user's voice mailbox.