How to Say the Right Thing Every Time: Communicating Well With Students, Staff, Parents, and the Public

Filled with time-tested techniques and relevant examples, this user-friendly guide empowers educators with the confidence and tools necessary to communicate effectively, efficiently, and honestly in all situations. The author uses clear-cut language, to-the-point insights, and pertinent advice―reflecting the many suggestions found within the book.

Key features include:

• Specific ways to avoid the 20 most common communication barriers
• Proven how-to′s, do′s and don′ts for talking with students―everything from giving clear instructions and praise to discussing drugs and death
• Guidelines for successful parent-teacher conferences, plus tips for breaking bad news and dealing with angry adults
• Strategies for effective public speaking and handling performance reviews, job interviews, media interviews, and special ceremonies
• Tactics for powerful written and other nonverbal communications

This engaging resource inspires and instructs practitioners to deliver audience-appropriate, meaningful messages to promote positive student interaction, as well as foster understanding and support from parents, peers, and the public. 

Robert D. Ramsey is a lifelong educator who has served as a "leader of leaders" in three award-winning school districts in two different states. His frontline experience includes positions a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, and adjunct professor. Most recently, he has served as associate superintendent in the St. Louis Park (MN) schools, where every school has been designated by the federal government as a National School of Excellence. Ramsey is now working full-time as a freelance writer in Minneapolis.