Words have power, and we have a responsibility to wield them carefully. It's been nearly 200 years since Edward Bulwer-Lytton coined the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword," but it remains painfully true. From our most intimate relationships to international diplomacy, our word choices can be the difference between peace and war.

No matter who you are or what you do, good communication will make your life run more smoothly. We can all be better communicators if we put in the time and effort, and especially if we learn from the right teachers.