The logic of the coordinated management of meaning: A rules‐based approach to the first course in interpersonal communication

This article presents a new approach to the basic course in interpersonal communication. The approach is based on the need to teach principles that both cut beneath cultural diversity and function as a heuristic for the explanation of unique contexts. A logic of conversation is proposed based on research growing out of the “Coordinated Management of Meaning.” The major theoretical principles are explained and specific classroom applications and assignments are provided.