A technique for handling messages in a messaging system includes receiving a playback request for a message. A first user control input that is associated with the playback request for the message is then received. The first user control input corresponds to a fast-forward function or a rewind function. It is then determined whether a second user control input, which corresponds to a same function as the first user control input, is received prior to expiration of a first time period. The playback request for the message is then serviced using a first offset when the second user control input is not received prior to expiration of the first time period or using a second offset, which is different than the first offset, when the second user control input is received prior to expiration of the first time period.