People add on extra commendation for you for even trying to talk despite having a speech impediment. It's like someone with a physical disability competing against others who don't have that. It's much more wow for them to do so, it's of greater commendability for you to speak, than it is for the non-disabled, as it's seen as braver, taking more effort, etcetera. I know I got an applause for a speech in-class for being the first person to stand up and do the damn speech. It wasn't a great speech, I didn't get the highest mark, but because no one else wanted to do their speech and I was the one who stood up out of my own volition instead of waiting for the teacher to force me/another classmate to do it. Truth be told I just wanted to get it over with instead of sitting in angst in waiting for my turn, but it seemed to impress the class at least. It is entirely possible that the whole thing was group pity for me, it's entirely possible that people are faking their tolerance of us. Does it matter? Not really. Our efforts are genuine even if their acting is false.