Posts by Heather Neumann

Warning: Competing in Apologetics Can be Dangerous

Posted on by Heather Neumann

So many students decide not to compete in Apologetics. The number one reason I hear… fear. Fear in saying the wrong thing, fear of not knowing enough. Setting off on a quest can feal intimidating… especially alone. This is why we created Online Apologetics. This group is a friendly, encouraging place for students and families to build each other up, as well as equipping them for life. Below is an article by one of our 2018-2019 leaders. If you are wanting a community in your Apologetics journey… join us!

Remember- Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you…

Continue reading “Warning: Competing in Apologetics Can be Dangerous” →

Questions Answered in Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As most of you know, we are thrilled to offer another product to add to your resource collection- Lasting Impact! Vol. 2! Of course, if you are a member, you already have access to all of our articles online. But having a book at your fingertips can really be nice. We do not think of these books as a curriculum, however some of our members use our articles as a supplement or a resource for their clubs. You are welcome to copy off our articles whether it be online or through the book. We encourage you to share what you have learned here, through us. If you are new to Lasting Impact!, you might be wondering what we have all covered in the last two years…

Continue reading “Questions Answered in Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2” →

The Thesis Statement by: Abbey Lovett

Posted on by Heather Neumann

What is the point of a thesis statement? Is it valuable? Here, in this article, Abbey Lovett (soon to be Kish), briefly explores the topic of the thesis statement for Speech and Debate. For more of Abbey’s awesome teaching- join her this Fall as she brings students on a deeper understanding of Impromptu,  through her – Lasting Impact! Online Impromptu Club. Sign up NOW! For more information, click here.

The Thesis Statement. Such an ominous and scary concept. Or at least that’s how I felt as a young communicator. In fact, I hardly ever used a thesis in my presentations because I couldn’t grasp the concept. What makes a good thesis statement? How do I make a thesis statement that fully grasps what I want to talk about? How do I present that statement in the speech?

Continue reading “The Thesis Statement by: Abbey Lovett” →

Lasting Impact! Speech and Debate Summer Camps and Workshop Schedule

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We are so excited about reaching out to so many communities this summer (and fall)! Each speech and debate camp/workshop that Lasting Impact! is a part of, is unique! More information and registration links will be coming in the next week or so. Also, Lasting Impact! Is excited to announce we will be hosting a variety of Online Workshops this Fall!! That schedule will be out by mid- August. Remember, if you are lacking motivation this summer, you can read The Value of Speech and Debate Camps. 

We hope to see you soon! Here is our schedule so far…

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FREE Memberships for the 4th!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

In honor of The Fourth of July we are giving away FOUR FREE memberships! Now is the time to join! Or tell your friends to be part of the Lasting Impact! Community…

  • 200 articles all about speech and debate
  • discounts on coaching, workshops, and products
  • support for your family or club
  • the latest scoop on rules, analysis, and feedback
  • a video gallery with over 50 videos
  • online apol, impromptu, and speech clubs

It’s easy…

1. Like our Facebook page.

2. Share this post.

3. Comment in the comment section (on our Facebook page).

Memberships will be awarded on Friday- which will be a part of Lasting Impact! Free Friday giveaways for the month of July- so be sure to have liked our Facebook page, because that is where the fun will be!

Guest Post: The Importance of Words

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As I sit here, the week after a major national competition, I am reminded of a speech I heard ONCE! A speech that made an impact on me about “words”. I wonder how many words were spoken through speech and debate last week at the NCFCA National Championship? I wonder how many students cried after they didn’t advance and they now think that their words have no more purpose? Or how many students were disappointed after making it to finals, yet not presenting their speech in The Showcase Of Excellence? This journey does not have to be over!! I am here to tell you… this is just the beginning! Your words and speeches can continue! You can continue to have a lasting impact… all you have to do is find another opportunity to share your heart, your message, your words…

Continue reading “Guest Post: The Importance of Words” →

One Year Later… My Remembrances in Speech and Debate By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

One year ago, I was working hours each day to prepare for the 2017 NCFCA National Championship. Each day I gave impromptus, studied my apologetics cards, read the news, brushed up on my platform speeches, honed my LD cases, perfected my arguments, and researched outside cases in the Moot Court packet. It’s been seven years since I attended my first tournament and nearly one year since I became the NCFCA sweepstakes champion. My freshman year of college has stretched, challenged, and grown me in ways the girl who walked across that stage couldn’t have imagined. My tangible awards are on the shelves and stuffed in the drawers of my room… they collected a lot of dust while I was away. I understand that it could be easy to assume that I remember my time in NCFCA through the lens of my successes, but I’ve had a year to reflect. I want to share what I still hold near to my heart as I look back. These lasting memories shape who I am and how I coach current and future competitors. These are my remembrances…

Continue reading “One Year Later… My Remembrances in Speech and Debate By: Kaitlyn Butts” →

Why It’s so Hard to Win on Negative at Nationals?? And what to do about it…By: Griffith Vertican

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Greetings NCFCA Debaters and Coaches,

Some years ago I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine about the difficulties of being on the negative side in team policy and what to do about it. Reflecting on that conversation and many more since I’ve put some serious thought into why affirmative teams have such a seemingly significant advantage particularly at Nationals…

Continue reading “Why It’s so Hard to Win on Negative at Nationals?? And what to do about it…By: Griffith Vertican” →

The “What Now?” After We Don’t Advance at The National Championship

Posted on by Heather Neumann

With NCFCA National Speech and Debate Championship right around the corner, most of us are editing our platforms, hammering down our blocking for interps, and revising our debate cases. The preparation is vital, and I can testify to the importance of putting in the work. However, I think it’s necessary to keep a few things in mind while approaching the end of the season…

Continue reading “The “What Now?” After We Don’t Advance at The National Championship” →

A NEW must-have Resource- Speech Games!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Every Speech and Debate Club needs ice breakers to get things started. Every coach needs creative ideas for getting kids outside of the inhibitions that box them in and stifle their performances. Our games book is an idea generator to help you accomplish both! Cross-referenced by the skills they enhance, these games are designed specifically to enhance performance in a variety of speech events.

These games are broken up, to help you the user, identity with what “target skill” you want to focus on. There are games for each of the types of speech- interpretive, limited prep, and platform. Target skills include…

Characterization

Environment

Improv

Limited Prep

Object Work

Performance

Visualization

There are over 40 games… the variations to these games are endless!! Also included are lists and scenarios – ideas to keep your club or group on their toes for years to come! This is a must have resource for every Speech and Debate Club.

Pre-order your copy today! Here.

IT’S HERE… well sort of – Lasting Impact! Vol. 2!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! Volume Two is all new! Every article we posted in our second year is chock full of advice, tips, encouragement, information, coach and student perspectives, and more- over 200 pages! We WANT you to have this at your fingertips when you are wondering what to cover in club, or how to help your own student go the extra mile. Read it cover to cover, or browse for what you need. This is a useable resource ready for YOU to put these ideas into action.

Through out the year, members asked if they could have all our articles available, in one easy place- like on their book shelf! We compiled all our articles and put them in easy to find categories, so you can have them at your finger tips! Categories include…

Speech and Debate

Interps

Platforms

Limited Prep

Delivery/Presentation

Tournaments

Inspiration/Encouragement

Judges

Coaches

There are over 75 articles for students, parents, coaches, and clubs to use and implement. There are awesome pictures to be inspired by! This book would not possible with out the love and support of so many people!

Kristi says, “We don’t propose to lay out a curriculum or a “how to” book. We propose to share the stepping stones Heather and I, along with the help of so many, found along the way. We hope these articles inform and inspire you as you learn and grow on your speech journey.”

This product is available for pre-sales only. Purchases made prior to 6/15/2018 will be delivered to purchaser at the NCFCA National Championship. For purchasers who are not attending the championship, the product will be shipped June 30, 2018.

Purchase here.