As the title says. What action is there to command a familiar and what skill (if any) is used?
I know that Animal Companions are directed with Handle Animal, but how would a Wizard direct their familiar before the familiar gets the Speak with Master ability?
None. Familiars are completely intelligent, sentient creatures, and they understand, but do not usually speak, your languages (I think- I am fairly sure they do- I am not sure about linguistic points or having a high int score- they should usually understand common at least).
Basically- familiars are like magical items- meant to be easy to use, but very, very limited in actual scope (too fragile to do battle usually). They just sit there, giving you a bonus and another set of eyes for perception checks.
In comparison, animal companions are a large battle force (particularly at early levels), so they need an actual investment to use.
If you are really worried, get a raven. They have the special ability to speak a language of your choice when they are a familiar.
You go to PFSRD and check the information
Sentient Companions: a sentient companion (a creature that can understand language and has an Intelligence score of at least 3) is considered your ally and obeys your suggestions and orders to the best of its ability. It won't necessarily blindly follow a suicidal order, but it has your interests at heart and does what it can to keep you alive. Paladin bonded mounts, familiars, and cohorts fall into this category, and are usually player-controlled companions.
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/familiar
Thanks for the quick answers!
I guess I need to search a little harder before I turn to the forums for help.