What essential skill is emphasized in the FBLA Public Speaking event?

The essential skill emphasized in the FBLA Public Speaking event is communication skills. Public speaking inherently revolves around effectively conveying ideas and messages to an audience, which requires a strong grasp of verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. This includes clarity of speech, appropriate tone and pace, engaging storytelling, and the ability to connect with the audience.

While research skills are important for crafting an informed speech, the primary focus of public speaking is on how well one can communicate that information to others. Teamwork skills, although valuable in collaborative settings, are not the core of public speaking, which typically focuses on individual performance. Technical skills may support the presentation aspect through visual aids or technology usage, but they do not encapsulate the essence of delivering a speech. Thus, communication skills stand out as the critical competency needed for success in the event.