This is not necessarily an argument for expecting explicit outcomes as a rule to lean toward exactly those that would have emerged if communication had been impossible; the focal points may certainly be different when speech is allowed, except in some of the artificial cases we have used in our illustrations. But what may be the main principle in tacit bargaining apparently may be at least one of the important principles in the analysis of explicit bargaining. And, since even much so-called “explicit” bargaining includes maneuver, indirect communication, jockeying for position, or speaking to be overheard, or is confused by a multitude of participants and divergent interests, the need for convergent expectations and the role of signals that have the power to coordinate expectations may be powerful.

DEFINE: Extends Schelling's focal point concept beyond tacit communication into the explicit bargaining realm, reframing how coordination signals work.

Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, loc. 187