A method and apparatus for providing a telephonic annotation services is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile telephone may be configured to include an annotation component used to record audio-based annotations for a telephone conversation. In another embodiment, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) enabled telephone is used. Annotation recordings may be created both during and after a telephone conversation. The annotation recordings may be stored in a database and indexed to a telephone number associated with the other participant in the conversation. Subsequently, prior to calling the same telephone number, or prior to placing a call to the same telephone number, annotations may be selectively played back, according to criteria specified in an annotation profile. Additionally, annotations templates may be used to structure an annotation recording according to a predefined format. In one embodiment, annotation recordings created using an annotation template engage an individual in a dialog using synthesized speech to prompt a user for voice input that is recorded by the annotation component.