1. An article of manufacture comprising: non-transitory computer readable memory storing program code, that when executed by a computing system is configured to cause the computing system to perform operations comprising: provide for display on a terminal to a user information regarding a real or simulated person; provide via the terminal an instruction related to having the user verbally identify one or more needs of the person based on the information; store an indication in computer readable memory as to whether the user correctly identified at least a first need; provide an instruction related to having the user verbally identify at least one item that appropriately corresponds to the first need; store an indication in computer readable memory as to whether the user correctly identified at least a first item, wherein the first item is a product and/or service, that appropriately corresponds to the first need; provide an instruction related to having the user verbally explain why the first item corresponds to the first need; store an indication in computer readable memory as to whether the user correctly explained why the first item corresponds to the first need; and calculate a score based at least in part on one or more of the stored indications, including at least the indication as to whether the user correctly explained why the first item corresponds to the first need; and report the score electronically.