Posts by Heather Neumann

Scripts and Writers Wanted!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! is excited to announce that we are going to start publishing some of YOUR stories as scripts! WE NEED YOU!

What? Now accepting script applications! We know that our students are some of the most talented people. Your original interp script can be the next Open Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, or even Duo Interpretation! Don’t let your original work sit and get dusty on the shelves…

Why? Every year kids write and perform amazing speeches. So why not give them another opportunity to shine? If you have a script or story that you or your student has written and you want to share your gifts with others… this is an opportunity for you! Our readers span a multitude of leagues and we can’t wait to show the world your talent.

How? The process- We will be having an application process. We have a limited amount of ISBN numbers that will be published for our 2018-19 Lasting Impact! Scripts. Winning pieces will be announced July 1, 2018 and will be available for purchase through our site.

When? Throughout the month of April and May we will be accepting potential scripts to be marketed for the 2018-2019 Speech Season.

The Application Process

Fee- $5 (per script)  – Please go here to apply and submit.

Please submit your piece IN A GOOGLE DOC to- lastingimpact2016@gmail.com

Your cover letter should include-

  • Name
  • Age
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Year written
  • Accomplishments of Speech (if any)
  • League performed in or written for
  • Title
  • Description of Piece (less than 200 words)

Once you submit your piece you will receive a confirmation email. You will be notified whether or not your speech has been chosen in early July or before.

FAQ

1. What if you don’t use my script? We welcome you to make edits or revisions and try again next year.

2. Will there be editing done to my piece? Every great masterpiece may need some revisions. Our team knows what scripts need to look like and the potential transitions needed. No revisions will be made until you release your script and an agreement is made.

3. Will I be a published author? Yes! Your piece will have an isbn number and sold through our site.

4. Will I receive royalties? Yes, it will be in the contract that you will need to sign.

5. How many words does my script need to be? We prefer under 2000.

6. Can I use a script from this year? Absolutely! This year, last year, or ten years ago.

7. What if I never broke with my script? That’s ok!

8. Can I submit a story? Yes!

9. What type old speech are you looking for? We are looking for it all! Funny, dramatic, serious, goofy… you guys have talent! Let’s see what you got!

10. What if I have another question? Feel free to comment below or send an email to lastingimpact2016@gmail.com

Please go here to apply and submit.

Online Impromptu Workshop- April 13

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Come join Lasting Impact! and our very own 2016 Impromptu Champion, Abbey Lovett for an must do impromptu workshop! Whether you need some fine tuning before Regionals or you want to get a jump start on next year, this is something you do not want to miss! This online workshop is for beginning and advanced students, as well as coaches.

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Watching Speeches: A Challenge to You by: Gloria Heiss

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I know. It’s hard sometimes. You just want to sit and chill with your friends, or you think it will make you nervous, maybe you have three speeches this category and just don’t have the time. I get it. I have faced the same struggles when it’s suggested that I go watch speeches while at a tournament. Watching speeches on Youtube in my free time is a whole other thing compared to being at the tournament and trying to find the time (and courage) to go sit through an entire 10 minute speech. I understand. However, did you know some leagues REQUIRE you to watch the room you compete in?  Not a bad idea… Here are some reasons why…

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Platform Advice By: Michelle Reid

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We caught up with a pretty fantastic Speech and Debater... Michelle Reid saw much success in the world of Speech and Debate, and like most students who compete, go on to do great things! Competing in Speech and Debate was only the first step to what the Lord has in store for her! Here is part of her journey as well as advice...

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How Can We Win the Battle for Ethical Debate?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If there is one thing you can be totally confident of hearing at the end of every speech or debate round, it is that question, “how was your round?” A proverbial fly on the wall of the hangout room would assume that contriving unique conversation starters is not something speakers and debaters excel in. It would probably be right. But a more serious trend that should probably leave us all a bit uneasy is debaters responding to that question with some sort of accusation of unethical behavior from their opponent…

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Cold Reading

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Have you been wanting to know more about Cold Reading? Stoa added Cold Reading to their Wildcard list in 2016-2017. According to their website, “Competitors read from a short selection given in the competition room. The Competitors will have two minutes to prepare approximately 3-4 minutes of material. Material could include well-known literature, speeches, poetry, or other genre selected by the tournament for each round.

A good dramatic cold reader is able to communicate with fluency and clarity and to project speech rhythms well. He should also be able to bring out the intent, mood and characterization of a piece through appropriate articulation and body language.”

We caught up with a friend that  is a huge fan of the event, even placing at NITOC. Here is her story and tips…

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Analyzing Your Ballots From a Speech and Debate Tournament

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Sometimes it is hard to read ballots, especially at 11 pm after a long awards ceremony. Ballots can be confusing or just hard to stomach. But ballots are still an invaluable resource to have from your judges. Be sure to open your envelope with an open mind, ready to hear what your judges have to say.

In this post we will be discussing some strategies of how to go over your ballots instead of tossing them or letting them collect dust. According to one of our Lasting Impact! interns...  "I go through my speech ballots with my three step system, especially when I plan on enhancing it throughout the season with the goal of succeeding to Regionals, and perhaps on to Nationals."

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The Mindset of an Extemporaneous Speaker

Posted on by Heather Neumann

There are many tips, tricks, and strategies for improving as an extemporaneous speaker. But how can one address minute changes unless the overall mindset is correct? In this article I will attempt to provide some important tips and strategies for improving as an extemp speaker. But more than anything, I want to challenge you to check your mindset about extemp and allow that to influence all the details of your speeches. I will simply encourage you to be more than a reporter in your extemp speeches. Take it up to the next level; be an analyst. So, what does being an analyst mean in this context?

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Changing Your Original Oratory into Illustrated Oratory or Expository by: Anna Johansen

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If you’re like most competitors, you probably have an Original Oratory. It’s a nice, broad, Platform category, with few requirements and straightforward rules. There’s just one problem….

There are approximately 9,746,223 Original Oratories in multiple Speech Leagues right now. While exact numbers may vary, experts all agree that the number of Original Oratories is enormous. How can you stand out in that sea of business attire?

Of course, you want to do your best and sharpen your skills and become an excellent platform speaker. But there’s another route you can take: you can turn your OO into an IO (or Expository).

This is definitely the road less traveled. Competitors are intimidated by the level of complexity seen in Nats Class IOs. They’re daunted by the level of effort and materials that may be required. And they’re unsure of their ability to produce the creative content that seems necessary.

I won’t sugar coat it. You do have to invest time and effort to get an IO off the ground. But that investment pays off. An IO is one of the most rewarding speeches you can do. And if you already have an OO written, then you’re off to a great start. Still not convinced? Here are some tips to jumpstart the process.

1. Start with a rough draft. Just like any other speech, you don’t go straight for the finished product. Your boards will evolve over time, as ideas and concepts take shape. Typically, I start planning my boards by sketching outlines—really messy pencil scribblings that show general placements for objects, pictures, etc.

2. Don’t be afraid to experiment. If you have an idea you want to try, try it. If you have no idea where to begin, start cutting up random scraps of paper. It’s like brainstorming for your hands instead of words. You may see a certain color combination, or a shape, or an object, and suddenly it sparks an idea that you want to pursue.

3. Don’t feel like you have to make every board a creative masterpiece. Everyone has a different style. Not all IOers are painters and sculptors, you know. Some are businessmen or lawyers or philosophers or equestrians or scientists or mathematicians. Each one brings a unique feel to their boards, and their style is reflected on what they choose to display. If you’re panicking because you can’t even draw a stick figure, take heart. You can just not draw stick figures on your boards. It’ll be fine. ?

If you want to hear more about the ‘how-tos’ of IO, tune in to the workshop this Friday, February 9th at 1:00 CST. We’ll go into way more depth on each of these concepts, and cover a slew of practical tips like what materials to use, how to generate ideas, and how to implement those ideas. If you’re just curious about what an IO is, or you’ve always wanted to do one but never knew where to start, or if you have an IO already made and just want some ideas to spice it up, you’ll benefit from this workshop. Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE for more info. on the IO/Expos. Workshop. Other workshops this week include- Storytelling with Abbey Lovett, Fantastic Characters with Heather Neumann, and After Dinner Speaking with AJ and Heather Neumann.

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photo by: Julieanne Photography