Speech is the most common method of communication. Video‐based clinical communication evaluation is a requirement for children with speech–language impairments living in rural areas, and those who have limited mobility.

To determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Viking Speech Scale (VSS‐T) via live and video‐based observation for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 4–18 years.

A total of 142 children (mean age 8.18 ± 3.98 years; 68 female) with CP were included in this study. Their motor, communication, visual and eating–drinking function levels and comorbidities (dental, swallowing, cognitive impairments and epilepsy) were recorded. The Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory—Social Function (PEDI‐SF), and the Functional Independence Measure for Children—Communication (WeeFIM‐C) were assessed to examine the concurrent validity of the VSS‐T. The interrater reliability of the VSS‐T was analysed between parents, physical therapists, and speech and language therapists from live and video‐based observation. Intra‐rater reliability was calculated from ratings made from live and video‐based observations taken 3 weeks apart.

The VSS‐T was strongly related to the ICS (r = –0.830), PEDI‐SF (r = –0.819), WeeFIM‐C (r = –0.643), other functional classifications (r > 0.432), and the comorbidities (Cramer's V > 0.284, p < 0.001). Good to excellent interrater reliability (κ_w ≥ 0.838) and intra‐rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.848–0.995) were found between parents and therapists.

Speech and language therapists, physical therapists, and parents can use the VSS‐T as a valid and reliable classification system to describe speech intelligibility of 4–18‐year‐old children with CP. Both live and video‐based observations can be used to administer the VSS‐T.