I would posit that the beard would seem to the observer to amplify the motions of the jaw, given that the beard adds volume to the jaw's size, therefore magnifying those parts of speech that include lower jaw movement.
Further research should also be conducted to test for color/contrast discrimination. E.g., that a dark beard, having greater contrast, would be more easily perceived than that of a lighter shade, given of course, that the test is performed using speakers have a relatively light complexion; the inverse could possibly hold true for speakers with skin tone similar to the shade of the facial hair.
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Further research should also be conducted to test for color/contrast discrimination. E.g., that a dark beard, having greater contrast, would be more easily perceived than that of a lighter shade, given of course, that the test is performed using speakers have a relatively light complexion; the inverse could possibly hold true for speakers with skin tone similar to the shade of the facial hair.