BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Business Communication challenges members to demonstrate their knowledge of effective communication practices in the workplace through an objective test. This event covers topics such as written and verbal communication, digital correspondence, and professional etiquette essential to business success.

 

Event Overview

Division: High School
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes
Educational Alignments

Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened pencil, Fully powered device for online testing, Conference-provided nametag, Photo Identification, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code

Items FBLA Must Provide: One piece of scratch paper per competitor, Internet access, test login information

Objective Test Competencies

·         Communication basics
·         Written Communication
·         Verbal Communication
·         Workplace Communication
·         Interpersonal Relationships
Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.

District

Check with your District leadership for District-specific competition information.

State

Eligibility

·         FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
·         Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top 10 of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top 10 of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
·         Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
·         Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.
·         Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
·         Each member can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
·         Identification: Competitors must present valid photo identification (physical) that matches the name on their conference name badge. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
·         If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
·         Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.

Event Administration

·         This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.

·         No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.

Scoring

·         Each correct answer is worth one point.
·         No points are deducted for incorrect answers.
·         Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
·         Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

Electronic Devices

·         Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, watches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.

National

If competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at:  https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/

 

Study Guide: Knowledge Areas and Objectives
This study guide outlines the skills and knowledge assessed for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are aligned to the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives reference MBA Research’s Learning Activity Packages (LAPs), which are instructional resources with readings, activities, and assessments available exclusively to teacher advisers. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA. 

Important Notice Regarding Test Preparation 

MBA Research materials are not required to study for or prepare for FBLA competitive event tests. MBA Research provides curriculum and instructional resources directly to teachers and does not administer or manage individual student testing or competition participation. 

Note for members and parents: All questions related to tests, study materials, scores, or competition guidelines should be directed to the local FBLA adviser. Only teacher advisers should contact MBA Research directly.

Communication Basics (10 test items)  

  • Explain the nature of effective communications (EI:007, LAP-EI-140) (PQ)  

  • Explain ethical considerations in providing information (EI:038, LAP-EI-038) (SP)  

  • Foster open, honest communication (EI:129, LAP-EI-129) (SP) 

 

Written Communication (25 test items)  

  • Explain the nature of effective written communications (CO:016) (CS)  

  • Select and utilize appropriate formats for professional writing (CO:088) (CS)  

  • Edit and revise written work consistent with professional standards (CO:089) (CS)  

  • Write professional emails (CO:090) (CS)  

  • Write business letters (CO:133) (CS)  

  • Write informational messages (CO:039) (CS)  

  • Write inquiries (CO:040) (CS)  

  • Write persuasive messages (CO:031) (SP)  

  • Write executive summaries (CO:091) (SP)  

  • Prepare simple written reports (CO:094) (SP)  

  • Adapt written correspondence to targeted audiences (CO:203) (SP)  

  

 

Verbal Communication (20 test items)  

  • Employ communication styles appropriate to target audience (CO:084) (CS)  

  • Handle phone calls in a businesslike manner (CO:114) (CS)  

  • Participate in group discussions (CO:053) (CS)  

  • Facilitate (lead) group discussions (CO:201) (SP)  

  • Make oral presentations (CO:025, LAP-CO-025) (SP)  

 

Workplace Communication (20 test items)  

  • Explain the nature of staff communication (CO:014) (CS)  

  • Choose and use appropriate channel for workplace communication (CO:092) (CS)  

  • Participate in a staff meeting (CO:063) (CS)  

  • Participate in problem-solving groups (CO:067) (CS)  

  • Provide directions for completing job tasks (CO:139) (SU)  

 

Interpersonal Relationships (25 test items)  

  • Exhibit cultural sensitivity (EI:033, LAP-EI-033 (CS)  

  • Leverage personality types in business situations (EI:104) (SP)  

  • “Sell” ideas to others (EI:108, LAP-EI-108) (SP)  

  • Persuade others (EI:012, LAP-EI-912) (SP)  

  • Demonstrate negotiation skills (EI:062, LAP-EI-062) (SP)  

  • Use conflict-resolution skills (EI:015, LAP-EI-915) (CS)  

  • Participate as a team member (EI:045, LAP-EI-045) (CS)  

  • Use consensus-building skills (EI:011, LAP-EI-911) (SP)  

  • Motivate team members (EI:059, LAP-EI-059) (SP)  

  • Foster positive working relationships (EI:037, LAP-EI-037) (CS)  

  • Consider conflicting viewpoints (EI:136, LAP-EI-136) (CS)  

  • Collaborate with others (EI:130, LAP-EI-130) (SP)