Grow Your Limited Prep Skills

How many of you actually practice your limited preparation speeches? Many people think they don’t have to, because it’s supposed to be “off the cuff.” Right!? But, did you know, if you really want to grow as a speaker and communicator, the number one way is to practice through limited prep speaking!?! And Lasting Impact! has a variety of ways for you to practice those skills…

  1. Join a Club! Whether it’s online or in person, clubs (hopefully) provide lots of practice, whether it’s through speech or debate. Lasting Impact! has specific clubs for Limited Prep, and specifically for Apologetics or Extemporaneous. All of our clubs have an emphasis on practice! We are here to help guide you and help you grow! There is still time to sign up for our Limited Prep Clubs for fall 2023. 
    – Limited Prep Club – starts TONIGHT!
    – Apologetics Club – starts Friday!
    – Extemporaneous Roundtable – starts Sept. 26
  2. The Limited Prep Guide. Want to explore all the different types of limited prep speech categories on your own? Or do you want to lead or teach limited prep speaking skills? Lasting Impact! has created their very own guide to help walk you through the ins and outs of this huge category! And we proved a plethora of activities, as well as a resource packet to keep you busy and practicing all season long!

Listen what author, Honor Persing has to say about the guide. Here is part of her introduction to the book…

“Welcome to the world of limited prep speaking! I’m so glad you’re here. Limited Preparation can be a very daunting category of speech–you only get a few minutes to sort out your thoughts and develop a well-reasoned speech on an important topic. While it’s a challenge, limited prep can also be the most rewarding type of speech. It stretches your mind unlike any other category, forcing you to think quickly, analyze effectively, and come up with thought-provoking stories and examples on the spot.

Limited prep is also a category that uniquely prepares you for life. While education, persuasion, and acting are valuable skills that you learn in the other categories, no other type of speech applies to as wide a range of life. Anytime you’re called upon to give your opinion on a political topic, speak in a group (or even one-on-one), or defend essential truths of the faith, you’re drawing on a limited prep skill.

This guide is designed to help you create those limited prep skills, whether you’re a novice starting out or an advanced student looking to up your game. For each limited prep category you’ll find an “ABCs” section with basic tips and explanations to help you get started. If you already understand the basics, you can jump to “next-level tips” where intermediate students can find advice and suggestions. Finally, “elite advice” will challenge seasoned students to push themselves as far as possible in developing their skills. At the end of each section you’ll find some helpful exercises so that you can practice the concepts discussed for yourself.

You can read this guide straight through or turn to the sections that are relevant to you. Either way, I hope you find a few practical and interesting tips that you can take with you and that you leave feeling a little more confident about the world of limited prep!” 

You can purchase the Limited Prep Guide HERE. With daily practice, your communication skills will grow stronger. Also- don’t forget, we also created the Lasting Impact! Activity Prompt Cards – ways to make club or home more fun and engaging through activity prompts!

Skeptic to Supporter: Rationalism vs. Empiricism by: Kaeley Whitacre


We spent a lot of time on this year’s GuideS… that’s right! We have TWO LD GUIDES. Take advantage of the bundled price (only $40) up until the end of the weekend. Go to the SHOP now, or hear what recent graduate and National LD Finalist, Lasting Impact Team Member, Kaeley Whitacre had to say about this resolution. I gave her the task of tackling it, as if she were still a competitor…

Continue reading “Skeptic to Supporter: Rationalism vs. Empiricism by: Kaeley Whitacre”

2023-2024 – Biggest LD Year Ever!

If you are a student, parent, club leader, or coach… Lasting Impact! is here to assist you in your speech and debate journey! This year will be our biggest Lincoln Douglas year ever! From clubs/classes – intro to advanced, to casebooks to guide books, to one on one coaching, to clubs. We are here for you! We coach all leagues… you should check out everything we offer…

  • Intro to LD with Peter Montgomery (not league specific)
  • LD Fundamentals with Nathanael and Hillary Kolssak
  • LD Strategies with Ethan Tong
  • Advanced LD with Noah McKay
  • Stoa LD with Charis Baker
  • NCFCA LD Guide Book Bundle – 2 Guides!!
  • Stoa LD – 5 Resolution Casebook

Head to the SHOP to see all the resources and how we can assist you!

Interp 101 – Why Interpretive Speech

For the second year in a row we will be offering Intro to Interpretive Speech (Tuesdays at noon CT). Why!? Because there is a HUGE NEED for students to understand PEOPLE! The Art of Communication isn’t just standing up reciting a speech or debating… it’s about understanding who we are, where are coming from, what we have been through, and so much more. My interpretive/drama students learn this by exploring literature, the stage, characters, settings, scenes, etc. If you have been on the fence about trying out an interpretive speech or want to learn how to get better at it… this is the class/club for you! Instructors, Heather Neumann and Lynda DePasacreta can’t wait to explore the Interpretive Speech Events such as Open, Duo, Humorous, Dramatic, Biblical, and/or Original. You will learn how to pick the right piece of you, how to grow as a character, understanding characters, how to cut a piece, making sure you know what you want to say in an introduction and/or conclusion, and so much more. Together this dynamic duo have coached thousands of students, including National Champions. If you want to become a better speaker in ANY type of speech… add an Interp and sign up NOW! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15243/

Presenting Progressive Perspectives in a Conservative League by Eric Meinerding

The homeschool speech and debate circuit is quite conservative. Duh. This comes as a surprise to no one. Most of the motivations for homeschooling in the first place come from conservative places, such as evangelical Christianity. Christian leagues like NCFCA and STOA encourage their students to glorify Christ through speech and debate. This is a really good thing. My life and faith found their roots because of the conservative traditions in forensics. That being said, there should be open doors for some progressive opinions as well. Not everything. But some. And here’s why.

Continue reading “Presenting Progressive Perspectives in a Conservative League by Eric Meinerding”

Register for Fall Classes/Clubs Now!

We are wrapping up the summer Speech and Debate Camp Circuit – otherwise known as the Impact! Tour! Our team went from north, south, east, and west… from HI to NJ, FL to WI! And we aren’t done yet!
Fall is right around the corner and we are ready to help prepare you and your student for what the Lord has next! We are excited to offer OVER 10 CLASSES/CLUBS this fall! We have an AMAZING LINEUP – for all leagues, ages 10 and up! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/

  • Debate Readiness with Amy Eichholz
  • Intro to LD with Peter Montgomery
  • Fundamentals LD with Hillary and Nathanael Kolssak
  • Strategy LD with Ethan Tong
  • Adv LD with Noah McKay
  • Intro to TP with Emalyn Sharp
  • Adv TP with Eric Meinerding
  • Extemp Roundtable with Eric Meinerding
  • Limited Prep with Ethan Tong
  • Apologetics with Noah McKay
  • Intro to Inter with Heather Neumann and Lynda DePasacreta
  • Speech 101 with Heather Neumann
  • Speech 102 with Heather Neumann

Our team has years of experience and are excited to share YOUR journey in the art of communication through Speech and Debate with YOU! In addition to our Lasting Impact! Online Clubs, did you know that our team coaches local clubs? Contact Heather@lastingimpact.info for club pricing. Sign up for fall now- and make the most of the 2023-24 season!

Why Rationalism vs. Empiricism Isn’t as Bad as You May Think by: Peter Montgomery

When NCFCA announced a few months back that rationalism vs. empiricism would be the LD resolution for the 2023-24 season, I was honestly a bit surprised. Even more surprising, however, was the resistance the topic was met with. Despite clearly receiving a plurality of votes, many people were disappointed in the resolution.

As someone who has coached LD for years and competed for years before that, the pushback bewildered me. What was so bad about this topic? I was even on this year’s LD resolution committee and so the research I had done on the topic was extensive. But I still wasn’t sure why people were hesitant to debate it. So I decided to get to the bottom of it, and this is what I found…

Continue reading “Why Rationalism vs. Empiricism Isn’t as Bad as You May Think by: Peter Montgomery”

2023-24 NCFCA Team Policy Sourcebook is HERE

Are you ready to dive into over 400 pages of transportation policy? The Lasting Impact TP Sourcebook is an excellent, versatile resource for competitive team policy debaters. It has clear and comprehensive instructions for novice debaters to get a grasp of the basics of debate. And it also has stellar cases across the political and strategic spectrum for advanced debaters to get a start on the season. Coach Eric Meinerding says, “I highly recommend this resource for camps, research hungry debaters, coaches and everyone else in the policy community.”

What makes our Sourcebook different from other Sourcebooks? In addition to the hundreds of hours in content research, we hope to support students, parents, and coaches of all experiences to give them the foot in the door into the resolution, PLUS it provides general information and education on Team Policy.

What else is in the Sourcebook?

  • Resolution Analysis – key terms, departments, legislation, and more
  • 7 Affirmative Cases, and corresponding back ups and negative briefs
  • Generic Briefs
  • Strategy Tips
  • Questionnaires for speaking styles and partners
  • And more!

Can club leaders coach from this? Yes! But please have students purchase their own if they are going to use it. Coaches can use it like a guide. But no handouts.

Can my family share a copy? Yes!

Can our team share a copy? Yes!

Do you give club discounts? Yes!

Is it on sale? Yes! For the rest of the month. ONLY $35! Purchase yours today! Click HERE to purchase. Contact – Heather@lastingimpact.info for group pricing.

Registration for fall clubs and classes are going on now. We have Beginner TP and Advanced. Go to the SHOP and check all of the amazing clubs and register NOW!

#1 Unrated Skill Learned in Speech and Debate By: Griffith Vertican

Do you know what the most underrated skill gained from speech and debate is???

The skill is not one that likely jumps to the top of your mind. Yes, speech and debate are great for developing critical thinking, vocabulary, public speaking, advanced nonverbal, interpersonal communication, research, leadership, and problem-solving skills, however, there is one more – let’s call it skill nine – that is absolutely worth highlighting… [Insert drum roll here]… self-awareness.

Continue reading “#1 Unrated Skill Learned in Speech and Debate By: Griffith Vertican”

Happy 4th SALE! Online Speech and Debate Camps – Membership Prices for ALL!

MEMBERSHIP PRiCES for ALL – through the 4th of July!! Our Online Camps are LESS THAN $100 (see below for details on the discounts). Sign up today for Lasting Impact! Online Camps, they will provide – amazing information, instruction, and inspiration! And, as always, the recording is FREE! Running a Club this year? Club Leaders are also welcome to attend! Learn and glean from top notch coaches to walk away with a jump start on the season making progress towards success!

Ethan Tong said, “Some of my fondest memories of High School Speech and Debate were the summer camps: hanging out with friends, not understanding how much I was learning, with little to no pressure to perform well. I remember one camp in Wisconsin where I was doing a practice round. One of the camp coaches was judging. I could not finish a single sentence without stuttering and saying ums all over the place––despite it being my 2nd year competing. I was so embarrassed that I literally said, in my speech, “I’m sorry, I promise I’m usually not this bad”!”

The great thing about camps is that you’re allowed to make mistakes and not be on your best game. You need to remember- you go to camp to learn, grow, and explore!

Lasting Impact! is offering summer speech and debate camps all over the country – including Hawaii! But did you know we also are providing some AMAZING speech and debate opportunities ONLINE this summer?? We are offering ONLINE DEBATE – in three different events––TP, LD, and Moot Court–– and ONLINE SPEECH! We guarantee they will help you learn the elements to get you started on the road to progress. By heading to a summer camp you are guaranteed to be further ahead than if you didn’t! We, at Lasting Impact!, are all about the process and progress over the perfection! If you can’t make it to an in person camp this summer… check out these online options…

TP and LD Camp – (TP – July 10-11/LD – July 12-13) These are called “Principles of TP” and “Principles of LD” because we will not just teach you how to succeed in a particular resolution, but how to succeed in any resolution. Coach Ethan Tong and Coach Nathanael Kolssak will teach you the principles of debate that all nationally-ranked debaters use. They are not only experienced coaches and past competitors, but they are also experienced judges! Therefore, they will be able to give you tips from the other side of the table and tell you what judges like and what they don’t like. Click HERE and enter the Code – DISCOUNT2310 for $25 OFF!!

Moot Camp – (July 26-27 or Aug. 4-5) This camp is geared for beginners and advanced. Beginners will cover…

⁃What is Moot Court?
⁃What To Do When Cracking Open the Packet
⁃Case Writing 101
⁃Responding to Questions 101
⁃2023 Packet Discussion
⁃…and more!

The advanced track will cover:
⁃Improving at Moot
⁃Case Writing 201: Compelling Intros and Conclusions
⁃Mastering the Rebuttal
⁃2023 Packet Discussion
Click HERE. And enter the Code- DISCOUNT2310 for $10 OFF!!

Jump Start Speech – (July 17) Heather Neumann will lead students of all levels to get a kick start for the upcoming season. Through class time and engaging activities, Heather will break down all the speech categories, teach the benefits of speech and debate, and dispel various myths. Even the most apprehensive students will walk away with a foundation, and the varsity students will be inspired! Click HERE. And enter the Code- DISCOUNT2310 for $10 OFF!!

Do you need a camp to do well? No, not necessarily, but our camps will have value. You have the opportunity to start your journey NOW! Begin the process NOW. Oh––and one more thing: we promise these camps will be fun. Yes, they’re online. But we use high energy, humor, games, activities, and everything in our power to make these camps some of the best you’ve ever been to. Just hear what a Moot Court camper said:

“The energy was immaculate, the feedback was top tier, and the way the coaches handled everything (from jokes to lectures to drills to giving tips) exceeded my already high expectations greatly. Would 100% pay again. 10/10.”

Sign Up Today!

Our Summer Newsletter is HERE! Make the MOST of Summer Prep!

Click HERE to see the Summer 2023 Newsletter.


Are you subscribed to receive our blog posts? Have you signed up to find out the latest sales, information, updates, etc? It’s on the right side of our HOME page. It says – EMAIL ME WHEN YOU POST. You don’t have to be a member to be notified when we post a new blog, offer a class, or create a new product (which we did all of the above this past month).

Our summer newsletter should be in your inbox. Find out all the happenings! Summer is flying by! Make the most of your summer speech and debate prep by …

  • Reading Articles – Did you know we have over 500 blog posts?
  • Sign Up for a Summer Camp – Online or In Person!
  • Watch the Recorded Workshops
  • Register for a Fall Class/Club – Speech, Debate, Juniors, oh my!
  • Check Out all the Resources! We have new products
  • Schedule a Coaching Call – Summer brain storming or prep starts now!

Lasting Impact! wants to join you in your journey of Speech and Debate. Please let us know how we can help!