Ms – INTerpersonal cOMMUNICATION
 

Interpersonal Communication challenges members to demonstrate their understanding of how people exchange messages, ideas, and information. Through an objective test, this event explores key concepts in verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, and relationship-building in personal and professional settings.

 

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
Educational Alignments

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

Items FBLA Provides: One piece of scratch paper per competitor, Internet access, Test login information

Knowledge Areas

·         Communication Basics
·         Active Listening
·         Verbal Communication
·         Written Communication
·         Self-Management
·         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 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 of 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 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 4.

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

·         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, smartwatches, 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: 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 (5 test items)  

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

 

 Active Listening (5 test items)  

  1. Explain communication techniques that support and encourage a speaker (CO:082) (PQ)  

  1. Follow oral directions (CO:119) (PQ)  

  1. Demonstrate active listening skills (CO:017, LAP-CO-017) (PQ)  

  

Verbal Communication (15 test items)  

  1. Explain the nature of effective verbal communications (CO:147) (PQ)  

  1. Ask relevant questions (CO:058) (PQ)  

  1. Interpret others’ nonverbal cues (CO:059) (PQ)  

  1. Provide legitimate responses to inquiries (CO:060) (PQ)  

  1. Give verbal directions (CO:083) (PQ)  

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

  1. Defend ideas objectively (CO:061) (CS)  

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

  1. Participate in group discussions (CO:053) (CS)  

 

Written Communication (5 test items)  

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

  1. Write professional emails (CO:090) (CS)  

  1. Write informational messages (CO:039) (CS)  

  1. Write inquiries (CO:040) (CS)  

 

 

 

 

 

Self-Management (5 test items)  

  1. Exhibit a positive attitude (EI:019, LAP-EI-019) (PQ)  

  1. Demonstrate self-control (EI:025, LAP-EI-025) (PQ)  

  1. Explain the use of feedback for personal growth (EI:003, LAP-EI-903) (PQ)  

  1. Adjust to change (EI:026) (PQ)  

 

Interpersonal Relationships (15 test items)  

  1. Respect the privacy of others (EI:029) (PQ)  

  1. Show empathy for others (EI:030, LAP-EI-030) (PQ)  

  1. Maintain the confidentiality of others (EI:103) (CS)  

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

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

  1. Treat others with dignity and respect (EI:036, LAP-EI-036) (PQ)  

  1. Foster positive working relationships (EI:037) (CS)  

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

  1. Use appropriate assertiveness (EI:008, LAP-EI-008) (PQ)  

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