Ms – Exploring Business cOMMUNICATION
Exploring Business Communication challenges members to demonstrate their knowledge of foundational communication skills through an objective test. This event introduces members to the principles of effective information sharing within and outside of a business setting.
Event Overview
Division: Middle School
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 50-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 30 minutes
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Marketing & Sales
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development
Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened Pencil, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code.
Competencies
· Information Literacy
· Active Listening
· Verbal Communication
· Written Communication
· Workplace Communication
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 Leader 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 the District Director) of the current school 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 ten of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top ten of an event at 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 in the official FBLA hotel in order 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 competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Annual Chapter Activities, Community Service Project).
· Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
· If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be 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 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
· Test Duration: 30 minutes
· This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
· No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
· No calculators may be brought into the testing site.
Scoring
· 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 meets the criteria specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act for all competitors with accommodations submitted through the conference registration system by the registration deadline.
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 you are competing on the National level, be sure to see National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla-middle-level/competitive-events/
Study Guide: Competencies and Tasks
This study guide shows the skills and knowledge you’ll be tested on for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are based on the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives also reference MBA Research's Learning Activity Packages (LAPs)—resources with readings, activities, and assessments to help you learn. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA.
Information Literacy (15 test items)
1. Identify sources that provide relevant, valid written material (CO:054) (PQ)
2. Extract relevant information from written materials (CO:055) (PQ)
3. Apply written directions to achieve tasks (CO:056) (PQ)
4. Assess information needs (NF:077) (CS)
5. Obtain needed information efficiently (NF:078) (CS)
6. Evaluate quality and source of information (NF:079) (CS)
7. Draw conclusions based on information analysis (NF:278) (CS)
8. Apply information to accomplish a task (NF:080) (CS)
9. Utilize note-taking strategies (CO:085) (CS)
10. Organize information (CO:086) (CS)
11. Select and use appropriate graphic aids (CO:087) (CS)
Active Listening (5 test items)
1. Explain communication techniques that support and encourage a speaker (CO:082) (PQ)
2. Follow oral directions (CO:119) (PQ)
3. Demonstrate active listening skills (CO:017, LAP-CO-017) (PQ)
Verbal Communication (15 test items)
1. Explain the nature of effective verbal communication (CO:147) (PQ)
2. Ask relevant questions (CO:058) (PQ)
3. Interpret others’ nonverbal cues (CO:059) (PQ)
4. Provide legitimate responses to inquiries (CO:060) (PQ)
5. Give verbal directions (CO:083) (PQ)
6. Employ communication styles appropriate to target audience (CO:084) (CS)
7. Defend ideas objectively (CO:061) (CS)
8. Handle phone calls in a businesslike manner (CO:114) (CS)
9. Participate in group discussions (CO:053) (CS)
10. Make oral presentations (CO:025) (SP)
Written Communication (10 test items)
1. Explain the nature of effective written communications (CO:016) (CS)
2. Select and utilize appropriate formats for professional writing (CO:088) (CS)
3. Edit and revise written work consistent with professional standards (CO:089) (CS)
4. Write professional emails (CO:090) (CS)
5. Write business letters (CO:133) (CS)
6. Write informational messages (CO:039) (CS)
7. Write inquiries (CO:040) (CS)
Workplace Communication (5 test items)
1. Explain the nature of effective communications (EI:007, LAP-EI-140) (PQ)
2. Explain the nature of staff communication (CO:014) (CS)
3. Choose and use appropriate channel for workplace communication (CO:092) (CS)
4. Participate in a staff meeting (CO:063) (CS)