Abstract: One of the biggest challenges I have faced in developing scientists to be good (effective) communicators is getting them out of their own heads and back into the real world. The first question we begin with is, "are you honestly interested in communicating your science, or is this really about something you need to prove about yourself?" Whether it's a public talk, a mission proposal, or a conference session, there are techniques that can help you make a connection to your audience -practices that we know work. It isn't even all that difficult, but it requires stepping outside the established culture of science.