One of the frustrations with the basic public-speaking course is that there is an inevitable tendency to teach the old sender-message-context-receiver model of communication. Many of the basic texts use it, and the typical assignments--one speaker in front of an audience--certainly reinforce it. Feminists have envisioned an alternative way of communicating, one that does not privilege an individual's persuasive skills but encourages a communal discussion where all parties are open to one another's perspectives. This article describes a final examination for the basic public speaking course that enacts a model of collaborative communication, demonstrates communication as coordinated management of meaning, requires active listening, and helps students think through a complex social issue. [A list of references and suggested readings is included.]