System and method for improved user interface in prompting systems

An improved prompting system for accessing specified functions. According to one embodiment, a particular user may identify himself to the system and thereafter preprogram one or more paths that lead directly to a desired function within the hierarchical menu prompting system. The next time the user needs to access the system the user can navigate directly to the desired function by pressing a predetermined key or sequence of keys on his or her Touch-Tone dial. Alternatively, the prompting system may present as an option a direct path to the desired function.