What includes any form of communication that helps people achieve their goals efficiently?

Verbal behavior encompasses any form of communication that uses spoken, written, or sign language to convey information and facilitate understanding between individuals. It is grounded in the principles of behavior analysis and is particularly focused on how language functions to meet the needs of the speaker and the listener. Verbal behavior is about using language as a tool for managing interactions and achieving specific goals effectively within social contexts.

The underlying principle of verbal behavior emphasizes that language is more than just the words said; it's about the purpose of the communication and the effects it has on the behavior of others. This concept, introduced by B.F. Skinner, identifies different functions of verbal behavior such as mands (requests), tacts (labels), and intraverbals (responses), all of which serve to help individuals communicate their desires, seek information, and engage with others meaningfully.

This choice is distinctly aligned with the broader definition of communication efficiency, as it highlights the functional aspects of language in achieving specific outcomes in social interactions.