Why is it important to be able to talk with your stylist?  I have found that I need to be able to clearly understand what you want in terms of your overall look or goal.  While a stylist can work magic on your hair, we aren’t mind readers.  I always appreciate when a client brings pictures that demonstrate what type of look/color that s/he is interested in achieving.  Even if they bring me a picture that is an example of something they DON'T want, I can work with that.  Also, saying you want layers might be completely different from what I think of when I hear layers.  Red to one client is gold to another.  Visual images, positive or negative, always help.  Of course, that is why we always do consultations - to make sure we are on the same page before the magic begins - but coming prepared to communicate with us helps us, as well as you.  Some common examples of questions I like to figure out from my clients are:

What does blonde mean to you? Platinum, golden, dirty, etc.  
What does brunette mean to you? Light, dark, reddish, etc.  
What kind of red do you like?  Copper, violet, strawberry, etc.
How do you want your bangs to fall? Blunt or Fringy?  
How short is too short? The bottom line is that your stylist is your image partner; working together makes for a great relationship.  I love it when a plan comes together!