When young teachers stand in front of their classes for the first time, they are expected to be well prepared for the challenging task before them. Unfortunately, preparations for this moment rarely include lessons on the essential skill of "teacher talk"--the choice and use of words in a class. This skill is often overlooked in teacher preparation courses, perhaps because it is assumed that teacher talk is a natural skill that one either does or does not possess. However, new teachers can benefit greatly from a systematic approach to learning and mastering effective teacher talk. This article explores the need for effective teacher talk and provides specific examples of speech patterns that will help new and experienced teachers alike.