Posts by Heather Neumann

Sign Up NOW for September Online Workshops

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If you can’t make it to physical camp or workshop, let Lasting Impact! come to YOU! We are so excited to be offering more online workshops this fall.

Signing up for an Online Workshop is easy!! All workshops are through an online forum called Zoom. It’s a quick and easy download that your instructor will send to you, as part of their introduction email (usually within 24 hours of your workshop). Check out what September has to offer…

Limited Prep Workshop with Abbey (Lovett) Kish – CLICK HERE
Sat. Sept. 8, 8:00pm CT
$5 members/$20 non members

Limited prep events were by far the most valuable and exciting events I ever competed in. Years after competition, I’m still using the skills I learned in limited prep speeches in interviews, meetings, casual conversations, and more! I competed in limited prep events for seven years, and I won both a team policy speaking national championship title and an Impromptu national championship title.

In this workshop, we’re going to over tactics to help you succeed as a limited prep speaker both in competition and in life! Learn how to create confidence, use prep time well, tell powerful stories, and bring your personality alive!

If you have any interest in limited prep speaking, or even just becoming a better speaker in general, this is the perfect workshop for you.

Specific Categories
– Apol., Impromptu, Extemp.
Prep time (How to best use your prep time)
– Using your time well
– Organizing
– Planning for the full speech time
Delivery
– Storytelling
– Eye contact
– Personality
Commanding the room
– Walking in the room (commanding the audience from the beginning)
– Closing
– Ending your speech
– Exiting the room

Making the Most of TP Debate Prep with Eric Meinerding – CLICK HERE
Wed. Sept. 19, 8:00pm CT
$5 members/$20 non members

As the tournament season approaches you may be starting to panic at the thought of all the research you’re going to have to do between now and your first tournament. How, you may ask, will I prepare to debate cases I don’t even know of yet?

Eric will be going over a different argument and research method that will not only help you make the most of your preparation time before the tournaments start, but also give you a strategic edge against your opponents in round. While debating for Liberty University’s varsity debate team, their seasoned professional coaches taught Eric this approach to debate that has literally decades of proven success. Whether you’ve been debating for four years or this is you first season, Eric will be able to teach you how to research arguments that can apply well to every case and interact with one another to secure rounds against squirrel cases where you may not have the first idea what they are talking about.

The Process of Developing a Platform Speech: Topics and Categories with Kaitlyn Butts – CLICK HERE
Fri. Sept. 21, 7:00pm CT
$5 members/$20 non members

Which do you pick first? A platform speech category or a platform speech topic? Do you decide to write a persuasive and then look for the perfect persuasive topic or become passionate about a speech on baking long before you decide it’d make the perfect after dinner on household mishaps and learning to laugh at yourself?

Maybe you haven’t ever thought about this question, but it is an important step in the process of crafting an excellent platform speech. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, so how you choose to answer the question will shape the rhetoric of your speech, its momentum, and your own growth as a speaker. If you’ve decided that you want to invest in a platform speech this year, whether you have brainstormed ideas or not, this is the workshop that will help you take the next steps. We’ll review the basic categories of platform speeches and look at their goals. We’ll examine the motivations and reasoning behind choosing topics and choosing platform categories, giving special attention to the relationship between these two approaches. We’ll also spend time working through potential topics ideas you may have. This workshop will be an energizing and interactive experience that deepens your understanding of how to craft excellent platform speeches.

Mars Hill 101 with Isabelle Clausen – CLICK HERE
Fri. Sept. 21, 8:15pm CT
$5 members/$20 non member

Mars Hill Impromptu is an event that can be applied to any aspect of life, regardless of where you are or who you hang out with. I think that MHI is one of the most beneficial events for competitors because it helps train them in how to connect culture and Christianity outside the speech and debate world. Throughout my time at college, I have been able to share the Gospel with numerous people by just talking about a popular song or movie. It truly is such an amazing event, and I think that every competitor should take part in it!

The following topics will be covered in my MHI workshop:
How to write an effect synopsis
How to develop a theme for each topic
How to systematically build the bridge between culture and Christianity
How to be conversational with rhetoric and body language
How to share the Gospel in a conversational manner
How to maximize the efficiency of your prep time
I hope you all can attend this workshop! It definitely will be very informative, yet fun and exciting as well!

What’s Oratorical Interp with Kristi Eskelund and Heather Neumann – CLICK HERE
Thur. Sept. 27, 8:00pm CT
$5 members/$20 non members

Have you heard about Oratorical Interp but are wondering where to go with that?
Do you have questions about how to start?
Would you like a little inspiration on what it could be?

Join us Sept. 27 for an hour long workshop while we explore some of the aspects of this event and the great potential it has as an interpretive event.

Big Picture Argumentation with Luke McConnel – CLICK HERE
Sat. Oct. 6, 11:00am CT
$5 members/$20 non members

Luke is excited to share his argumentative strategy that allows you to prep better for rounds, know all the vital details of your case, unlock the lost art of conversation, and overall appear more professional and persuasive to your audiences. Nothing makes Luke more excited than young and talented individuals that have a message and a powerful empowering voice through which that message can be heard and received.

Benefits to a Brainstorming Coaching Session by: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

​The biggest question students ask themselves as the summer weeks wind towards another academic year is: what should I write my speeches about? Parents ask themselves: how do I help my students decide what they should write their speeches on? Each feels the gravity of answering that question too soon, too late, incorrectly, insufficiently, etc. An ambitious student may average three speeches a year for six years, resulting in a grand total of eighteen platform and interpretative opportunities… but this number can feel paltry when there are so many books to dramatize, subjects to explore, and ideas that need to be addressed!

Continue reading “Benefits to a Brainstorming Coaching Session by: Kaitlyn Butts” →

Thinking of a Limited Prep? Start with Apologetics! By: Michael Tant

Posted on by Heather Neumann

1st Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Holy, and always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within you.”

This verse is one widely considered to be the foundation for all Christian Apologetics and is one that gives Christians a high responsibility. To ALWAYS be ready to give an answer means that we can’t delay in our preparation or in our willingness to answer anyone who asks us about the hope that we have in Christ. Nothing prepares us better to do this than learning and competing in the speech event Apologetics… even as a beginner!

Continue reading “Thinking of a Limited Prep? Start with Apologetics! By: Michael Tant” →

Running a Club (while also having a life) By: Rikki Eskelund

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Rikki Eskelund participated in Speech and Debate for six years as a competitor. Yet after she graduated, while going to college, and working, still found time to run a Speech and Debate Club!! There is a huge need for clubs in all areas. If a working, college student can do it- so can you! Here are Rikki’s tips for running a club, while still having a life…

Continue reading “Running a Club (while also having a life) By: Rikki Eskelund” →

Another August Online Workshop – Apol. 101 with Chiara Baldacci

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Over 100 possible questions. 4 minutes prep. Apologetics can be daunting. Lasting Impact! and Chiara Baldacci invites you to jump start your season on Aug. 23, with a new Online Workshop- Apol. 101. Here is what Chiara has to say…

Without the help of upperclassmen and alumni, I would have never gained the confidence to try apologetics. In the end, apologetics was the most fruitful and the most enjoyable thing I competed in during my time in Speech and Debate. The preparation grew me spiritually. The competition grew me communicatively.

When I first decided to compete in apologetics I had numerous technical questions:

  1. How do I organize a box?
  2. Are there specific ways to format a card?
  3. Do people handwrite cards or print them?
  4. Where do I begin finding information?

Once I was able to develop systems of organization and find resources for information, apologetics lost its intimidation factor. At that point, I was able to grow and delve into the depth of the Christian faith.

Through this workshop, I desire to share the tips and tricks I have learned over the years to help you enter the realm of apologetics—to help you get past your fear and begin wading through the rich truth and doctrine.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

This Online Apologetics 101 Workshop, will cover the following:

· How Rounds Work

· How to Organize a Box

· How to Format Cards

· Recourses

· How to Write Cards

· Preparation Strategies

· Your questions 😉

If you are thinking of starting Apologetics this season, join Chiara in Apol. 101. Thursday August 23, 8:00-9:00 CT. Members pay just $5!!! Our workshops are not only for students, parents and coaches are welcome! We even invite clubs to use our videos to help teach! To sign up click HERE.

For a complete list of Lasting Impact! Workshops click HERE.

Adding Rhetoric to Your Speech and Debate Club with Hillary Kolssak

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I got to catch up with one of my favorite people in the last couple weeks... Hillary Kolssak is my honorary sis, a fantastic mom, a speech and debate coach, and now this year, she will be running a speech and debate club in the Chicago area. She is a wealth or information and knowledge! We are so blessed to have her share her insights with Lasting Impact! Last year she created a rhetoric program for her club. She saw the need for her advanced students...

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Lasting Impact! Online Speech Club and Classes Filling Up!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Wow! We are blown away by the response to the Lasting Impact! Online Speech Club, as well as Online Apologetics and Impromptu! Our Online Tuesday Speech Club is FULL! Therefore we created another day and time – Thursday mornings 8:00 am CT. We want to make sure students and families who want to participate in a club setting CAN. You better act quick and sign up now, we don’t anticipate opening another class.

Sign up for Online Speech Club HERE.

We still have a few spots left for both Online Apol and Impromptu Groups. Our Lasting Impact! Team can’t wait to get started. If you have been thinking about it… I encourage you to sign up now!

Sign up for Online Apologetics HERE.

Sign up for Online Impromptu HERE.

Here are some of the questions that maybe you have about joining…

How much work will Online Speech Club be?

My goal is to get your student ready… tournament ready, by the end of the semester. How’s much work the students put into it, is up to you! Are there assignments- yes! Will they be participating in the various types of speech offered in competition- yes! My hope is that this is where they will find their inspiration for what God will be putting on their heart for the next season.

Are your classes/club only for beginners?

Absolutely not! All of our classes are for any one.. parents, coaches, and families included. We often have a variety of students. We hope to challenge the advanced and encourage the beginner.

What if I can’t make a session?

We record our sessions, so you can still get access to it.

Do I need anything technically, in order to participate?

We use an online forum called, Zoom. It works on any device. You need decent Wifi… worst case scenario you can call in, or just use the audio.

My student is very shy, will they have to present?

We try to make this as gentle as possible. We have never had someone not participate. Our groups become like family. The students are encouraging to one another. We also have Lasting Impact! ambassadors, who are also leaders, full of experience to cheer your students on.

My family won’t be participating at tournaments or with a league, is that ok?

Yes! We have had many students who didn’t participate in Apologetics at a tournament, but were part of our group. Our goal is kingdom building, not necessarily winning tournaments. We like for students to find opportunities to grow… wherever that might be.

What if my student needs extra coaching?

Our first priority is our students. We are always happy to set up a coaching call/session at our membership price.

We can’t join your online groups because of other commitments, what is the best way to to find out about Lasting Impact! Workshops?

The best way to keep up with everything from Lasting Impact! is to be sure you have “subscribed” to our site. You can subscribe by going to the right hand side of the home page, and giving us your email. Then, all of our posts will be sent directly to your email. Technically, you don’t even have to be a member to subscribe to our blog!

Another way to keep up with us, is to “like” our Facebook page. You will see what articles we post, as well as be able to join in on giveaways and the random question, etc.

Do you record your Workshops?

If you can’t make a Workshop, we do try to record them, and will put them on our site for your ability to view, or share with your club. Recorded Workshops/Videos are available in the SHOP. Clubs have permission to use these video recordings too! Video recordings are $5.

What Video Recordings of your Workshops do you have?

We are so excited to start this journey with you and your family! Thank you for considering Lasting Impact!

Online Interpretive Workshops This Friday – 8/10/18

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Speech Season is quickly upon us! Are you planning on doing an Interpretive piece this year? Do you want help making the most of your planning? Join us for any one of these Interpretive Workshops…

Anatomy of Interp/Finding the Right Piece/Literary Merit

Friday, August 10 – 9:20-10:50 ET / 8:20-9:50 CT

Heather Neumann has helped hundreds of students find their perfect piece. In this session we will go over where to look, what type you should be looking for, and what your interp needs for success.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Sign up HERE.

Cutting Scenes Without Losing Story/Tips for Cutting

Friday, August 10 – 11:00-12:30 ET / 10:00-11:30 CT

Are you making the most out of your piece? Heather Neumann helps you to understand if your piece is making the cut. Don’t worry if you don’t have a piece for this year picked out. We will have handouts to help apply what we will be covering.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Sign up HERE.

Defining Your Characters/Setting the Stage

Friday, August 10 – 1:15-2:45 ET / 12:15-1:45 CT

How well do you really know your characters? When you are performing an Interpretive Speech, it’s your characters that are telling the story. We will analyze “Theater of the Mind” and apply it to speeches. Hands on activities will have us- defining characters (voices, stances, gait, and any other attributes or factors to make them easy for the judges to imagine and distinguish). We will also “Set the Stage” for success by mentally picturing the scene, identifying where things are, and planning movements appropriately, using the space available, imaginary props, etc.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Sign up HERE.

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If you can’t make it to physical camp or workshop, let Lasting Impact! come to YOU! We are so excited to be offering more online workshops this summer/fall.

Signing up for an Online Workshop is easy!! All workshops are through an online forum called Zoom. It’s a quick and easy download that your instructor will send to you, as part of their introduction email (usually within 24 hours of your workshop).

For a complete list of Online August Workshops, click HERE.

The Three R’s of Summer Brrreak By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If you’re looking at the title of this article and laughing because you have a pile of math to wade through, don’t worry, I was there essentially every summer of my life. I know there are camps to attend, educational opportunities to participate in, and family vacations to go on. Summer break is never quite the epitome of rejuvenation we always envision, but it is a valuable period of time – whether you’re completely burned out and never want to wear a suit again or feeling mounting pressure to grind away the summer to make next season your biggest and best endeavor yet. Brrreak for the speech and debate competitor requires investment in all three Rs…

Continue reading “The Three R’s of Summer Brrreak By: Kaitlyn Butts” →

August Online Workshops

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If you can’t make it to physical camp or workshop, let Lasting Impact! come to YOU! We are so excited to be offering more online workshops this summer/fall.

Signing up for an Online Workshop is easy!! All workshops are through an online forum called Zoom. It’s a quick and easy download that your instructor will send to you, as part of their introduction email (usually within 24 hours of your workshop).

Please go here to sign up.

Anatomy of Interp/Finding the Right Piece/Literary Merit

Friday, August 10 – 9:20-10:50 ET / 8:20-9:50 CT

Heather Neumann has helped hundreds of students find their perfect piece. In this session we will go over where to look, what type you should be looking for, and what your interp needs for success.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Cutting Scenes Without Losing Story/Tips for Cutting

Friday, August 10 – 11:00-12:30 ET / 10:00-11:30 CT

Are you making the most out of your piece? Heather Neumann helps you to understand if your piece is making the cut. Don’t worry if you don’t have a piece for this year picked out. We will have handouts to help apply what we will be covering.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Defining Your Characters/Setting the Stage

Friday, August 10 – 1:15-2:45 ET / 12:15-1:45 CT

How well do you really know your characters? When you are performing an Interpretive Speech, it’s your characters that are telling the story. We will analyze “Theater of the Mind” and apply it to speeches. Hands on activities will have us- defining characters (voices, stances, gait, and any other attributes or factors to make them easy for the judges to imagine and distinguish). We will also “Set the Stage” for success by mentally picturing the scene, identifying where things are, and planning movements appropriately, using the space available, imaginary props, etc.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Finishing Touches/Delivery

Friday, August 10 – 2:55-4:25 ET / 1:55-3:25 CT

Are you sure you are putting all the finishing touches on your speech? Delivery matters! Delivery involves expressiveness! Are you using all three types?

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

The Ins and Outs of LD for Parents and Coaches/How to Judge LD

Friday August 17 – 7:00-8:00pm CT

Coaches: Joel Erickson and Hillary Kolssak

Have you ever stared blankly at your LD ballot in judge hospitality, stumped by the complete incoherence of the debaters? In this workshop, veteran LD coach Joel Erickson shares some practical pointers for judging LD. You’ll learn an intuitive way for evaluating LD rounds, what to do when debaters don’t refute each other, what to say (and not to say) in your “judging philosophy” to prompt the debaters to debate well, and how to write a ballot that debaters will want to read. Hillary Kolssak has been a debate parent, judge, and LD coach for a number of years. These two will get you on the track to help students succeed.

$5 members/$20 nonmembers

Why Online Apologetics?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Now is the time to join Online Apol. Don’t take our word… here is what members have said…

“I recently completed the Online Apologetics class with Lasting Impact. The coaches were inspiring and welcoming. In this class, there is opportunity for in-depth conversation as well as personalized feedback on speeches. If you are considering this class you should go for it! You will learn more than you could ever expect. Creating cards can seem like an overwhelming task, but each class gives you enough material to write at least one card, and often much more. This was helpful in preparing for tournaments, and in general, all of life’s big questions.” ~ student, KS

“Online Apololegics opens the door to not only to great apologetics resources, but also to great apologetics discussions and feedback. Online Apol. will challenge you personally in your walk with Christ, equip you to effectively communicate in competition or out of competition , and give you the tools to powerfully persuade in your day to day conversations. For me, Online Apol. has encouraged me significantly in my study of Scriptures… and they are more valuable than “fine gold” (Psalm 19:10).!! Talking about God’s life answers with others who also passionately follow Him is so incredible! Discussing and learning together in online forum has helped me answer some of the biggest questions.” ~ Rachel Bechtel, alumni/instructor

“This was the best online class ever. It not only helped my daughter get started competing in apologetics, but more importantly it strengthened her relationship with the Lord & caused her to delve into Scripture & pursue her relationship with Christ in a new & powerful way.” ~ mom, FL

“Apologetics challenged me to know how to deal with the tough questions. I still don’t always have the right answer, but it taught me how to express what I do know in an honest, genuine manner. Being okay with not knowing every little detail of the Christian faith, and instead focusing on the big truths and trusting the Holy Spirit to move within the hearts of those who you come into contact with.” ~ Myles McLean, alumni/instructor

“I chose to compete in Apologetics because I love to learn about God. Participating in Apologetics made me ask the questions I never thought I could answer. I wanted to prepare to defend my faith – but now I know that doing Apologetics changed me as a person and that is the greatest defense I can give. Spending that much time learning about who God is makes you understand Him so much more. I still use quotes and concepts I learned in Apologetics. Even more, I now know how to go deeper into God’s Word. I would not be in this place today if I didn’t participate in the discipline of Apologetics.” ~ Elizabeth, alumni

“Apologetics is the only speech event that you can use in the following year. You can master material over several years. Every other speech event requires starting from scratch! I so believe in the spiritual effectiveness, I have written a curriculum to equip students. It’s used by families all over the country, entitled, Fearless Apologetics. You can find it at www.fearlessapologetics.com. As you make your plans for the new school year, consider making time for Apologetics. It may be the most important course your teen takes.” ~ Chap Bettis, parent/pastor

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photo by: JulieAnne Photography