For those who wish to learn or teach the tools of skillful communication, this book provides concrete insight into what makes a person a successful communicator and guides readers in ways to improve their own communication skills and those of others. Predicated on four simple notions - that communication can be done well or poorly, that communication skills matter, that people differ in those skills, and that those skills can be improved - the book helps readers identify and enhance their own communication strengths and address weaknesses, assess the communication skills of others, and coach others to improvement. Written in an accessible style, chapter highlights include an engaging review of the research on the practical implications of communication skills in our professional and personal lives.