Many teachers have discovered that their positions require them to communicate effectively with families, team members, and other colleagues. In fact, teachers today indicate that much of their day is spent navigating adult-to-adult interactions for which they feel ill-prepared. Specifically, teachers may not know what to say or how to react when communicating with families, during meetings, or when discussing sensitive issues. Recent changes in school policies and practices--such as the accountability movement, inclusion, and response to intervention--necessitate that all teachers possess effective communication skills for successfully meeting the needs of a diverse student population. Teachers need to be proficient in using communication skills that elicit family members' opinions and promote a sense of equality through shared decision making. Clearly, of all the many complex challenges facing teachers today, none is as demanding nor as critical as applying effective communication skills. This article discusses effective communication techniques to meet the sometimes challenging, yet rewarding interpersonal demands of the teaching profession. (Contains 3 tables.)