Clarity refers to the intelligibility of speech – how well a listener can understand a speaker’s words. High speech clarity means the speaker’s articulation, resonance, and prosody effectively convey each sound and word. Reduced clarity may result from imprecise articulation, disordered phonology, or other impairments. SLPs work to improve clarity in individuals with speech sound or motor speech disorders to enhance functional communication.
Hustad, Katherine C., Brittany Schueler, Laura Schulz, and Christina DuHadway. “Intelligibility of 4-Year-Old Children With and Without Cerebral Palsy.” Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 55, no. 4 (2012).
Kent, Raymond D., Gary Weismer, Janice F. Kent, and John C. Rosenbek. “Toward Phonetic Intelligibility Testing in Dysarthria.” Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders 54, no. 4 (1989).
