My DD is 2.5yo also and her speech can be very unclear at times too. Sometimes when she says a word, i have to guess what she is saying and ask her if she said xxxx or xxxx or xxxxx and when i do get the word right, i ask her to repeat it after me.

I think it is pretty normal for kids this age to have unclear speech.

I know you don't need a referral to see a SP but do need one for a paed.

Goodluck.