Who is referred to as the person engaging in verbal behavior?

The individual engaging in verbal behavior is referred to as the speaker. This is based on the definition of verbal behavior as behavior that is under the control of a verbal community and mediated through a listener. The speaker conveys their thoughts, feelings, and intentions through language, which can be spoken, written, or signed. In the context of applied behavior analysis, the speaker produces verbal responses that are shaped by social interactions and are often reinforced by listeners, facilitating communication and social interaction.

In this framework, the role of the speaker is pivotal as they are the ones initiating communication. They may express requests, share information, or provide commentary, relying on their understanding of language and context to engage effectively with others. By focusing on the speaker, attention is drawn to the processes of language development, effective communication strategies, and the importance of social environments in shaping verbal behavior.