There's no need to raise the volume of your voice or to exaggerate facial expressions. People with speech problems often hear as well as you do. And even if the person does have a hearing impairment, it's best to speak naturally. Don't finish sentences or try to hurry someone who has difficulty speaking. You may discover that, as you listen, it is easier to understand what is being said.
Background noises and music can also make communication more difficult.
In a restaurant, it may not have been possible to move the couple to a quieter location but that may be an option if you're at a party or in an office building. If an interpreter or companion is acting as a translator and helping you communicate, talk to the person with the speech impairment, not to the translator. If you've tried everything and your efforts to understand each other are still not working, ask a co-worker or someone else to give it a try. Not giving up is what's important. All Rights Reserved.