Effective communication related to serious illness can improve patient and family satisfaction, quality of life, and adaptive coping. It also decreases symptoms of depression and PTSD. Additionally, when patients have a better understanding of their situation and their clinicians know and respect their values, healthcare quality improves, and the use of non-beneficial treatments is reduced. Therefore, it’s crucial that healthcare professionals become proficient in fundamental palliative care communication skills. This chapter outlines key components of these conversations, strategies on how to engage and prepare learners for success, and a toolbox for faculty training.