There is something exciting about the beginning of a new speech and debate season… Across the country, clubs are kicking off. Leagues are launching their new seasons, new events, new rules, resolutions are being discussed, script ideas are being tested, club leaders are gearing up- adding tools to their toolbox, and students are starting to imagine what this year could hold…
A new season means new OPPORTUNITIES!!
Maybe this is your very first year in speech and debate. Maybe you are coming back determined to finally break into outrounds. Maybe you want to try a new event, becoming a stronger speaker. Maybe you want to qualify to Nationals. Maybe you want to make new friends, or simply grow in confidence. Whatever your goals are… right now is an important time to think about what you want from your season… what opportunities are you going to look for?
Speech & Debate Is About So Much More Than Trophies
It can be easy to look at the speech and debate calendar and immediately start thinking about tournaments, ballots, rankings, and results. But don’t miss the bigger opportunity… Speech and debate can teach you how to think critically, communicate clearly, research difficult ideas, listen carefully, defend what you believe, accept feedback, and speak with confidence.
- It can introduce you to lifelong friends.
- It can give you mentors.
- It can push you outside your comfort zone.
- It can help you discover abilities you didn’t even know you had.
And yes- it can also be an incredible amount of fun. So as you begin this year, don’t only ask: “How well can I do this season?”
Ask: “How much can I grow this season?”
I’m glad you asked… a PRO TIP –
Surround Yourself With People You Want to Learn From!!
One of the best things you can do at the beginning of a season is intentionally surround yourself with people who will help you grow. This advice is for competitors… as well as coaches!
- Find mentors.
- Learn from coaches.
- Ask questions of experienced competitors.
- Practice with people who challenge you.
- Seek feedback from people who will encourage you while still being willing to tell you where you can improve.
You do not have to figure everything out by yourself!! In fact, some of the greatest growth happens when someone else sees something in your speech, argument, delivery, or strategy that you couldn’t see on your own.
Be teachable. Be curious. Ask questions.
And don’t be afraid to seek out more than one voice. Different coaches and mentors will notice different things. Learning to receive feedback, evaluate it, and apply it is part of becoming a mature competitor.
We LOVE speech and debate clubs. A great local club gives students community, accountability, practice partners, friendships, and coaches who walk alongside them throughout the season. But what if there is no local club? What if you need a little more? Maybe you want specialized help in one particular event. Maybe you’d like another coach to look at your case. Maybe you need more practice rounds. Maybe you’re the only student in your club doing your event. Maybe your club leaders are wonderful, but you’d benefit from hearing another perspective. Or maybe you simply want a group of people who understand your goals and can encourage you along the way.
That’s where Lasting Impact! can help.
Lasting Impact! Clubs Are Starting Soon!
Our Lasting Impact! team is gearing up for another season, and our online clubs and intensives will be starting just around the corner.
Whether Lasting Impact! is your primary speech and debate community or an additional resource alongside your local club, we would love to be part of your season. Our goal isn’t simply to give you more information. We want to help you apply it.
We want students practicing, receiving feedback, asking questions, developing strategies, strengthening speeches, improving cases, and gaining the confidence to walk into competition prepared.
This year, our club opportunities include training and support in areas such as:
- Team Policy Debate
- Lincoln Douglas Value Debate
- Extemporaneous Speaking
- Impromptu Speaking
- Platform Speaking
- Interpretation
- Duo Interpretation
- Apologetics
- Biblical Thematic
Whether you’re laying a foundation in a brand-new event or looking for advanced feedback to take your skills to the next level, there is a place to keep learning.
Don’t Just Let the Season Happen to You
Before the year gets busy, take a few minutes and think.
What do you want to learn?
Where do you want to grow?
What scares you a little?
What would you love to accomplish?
Who can help you get there?
Then start building the community around you that will help make those things possible.
- Find the coaches.
- Find the mentors.
- Find the teammates.
- Find the people who inspire you to work harder, think deeper, communicate better, and become more than you were when the season began.
Because the real lasting impact of speech and debate isn’t one tournament, one ballot, one trophy, or even one season. It’s who you become along the way. The people you surround yourself with!! So, who is part of your team that is going to help you, and inspire you? Here’s to a brand-new year of speaking, debating, learning, growing, and making an impact. We can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Ready for Some Extra Support This Season?
Whether you’re looking for a club, additional coaching and feedback, or an opportunity to sharpen a specific event, the Lasting Impact! team is here to help.
Explore all of our 2026–2027 Lasting Impact! Clubs & Intensives:
https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/
Let’s make an impact this season!