Posts by Heather Neumann

Guest Blog- Tips for Writing your Speech By: Grace Rankin

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I came across Grace’s article on Facebook.  I knew I wanted to share her valuable insight with all of my readers, especially students who procrastinate writing their speeches. The time to write is NOW! Below is her article, titled 5 Tips for Academic Paper Success on her site- rightingyourownwriting.org

Although her specific points are addressing academic papers, I believe the concept can be applied to speeches, especially if you are at “crunch-time”. I know some of you are die hard IEW fans (I am too), but as writers we sometimes get stuck. I feel it is always helpful to look at a new approach! This article is posted with permission by her- thanks Grace!

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Lasting Impact! Year in Review… Our first Vlog!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Wow! What a year! We started this journey just a little over a year ago. Recently, Kristi and I actually got to be together not at a Speech and Debate tournament! It was so much fun to be together! We decided to celebrate by producing a video for you. Thanks for coming along with us! We look forward to where God is going to take us next!

Speech and Debate- Coaching versus Mentoring

Posted on by Heather Neumann

BlakeSenseman

I get asked all the time, how did I start coaching, what is the process I use to coach, etc. Although I consider myself a "Speech Coach", I actually think I am more of a "Mentor". Lately I have been analyzing the difference between coaching and mentoring, and what approach I have, so that I can help you become a better coach (or mentor). Maybe what I do is more of a hybrid method...

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Guest Blog- Filler Words by: Kate Peters and Abbey Lovett

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Last week, we had an awesome three part series on Impromptu by Kaitlyn Butts, National Champion and Lasting Impact! Coach/Intern. We thought we would start off this week with an article by Kate Peters AND a pod cast by Abbey Lovett (see below) geared toward helping you communicate with out the “ticks and ums”, otherwise known as filler words…

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Impromptu – Practicing (part 3) By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

“Prepare to be Unprepared:” Practicing Impromptu Every Day

In the world of speech and debate- Interpretative speeches require hours of cutting, blocking, and intensive rehearsal. Platform speeches require brainstorming, editing, memorizing, and regular repetition to keep them stored solidly in your mind. Apologetics requires studying theology and searching for Scriptures. Extemporaneous, at least theoretically, requires surveying the weekly news highlights and becoming familiar with the political mindset of various sources. Impromptu offers the luxurious opportunity to compete in a speech event without doing a lick of work. Wrong. Participating in impromptu offers such an opportunity. The entire point of speech and debate, however, is not mere participation, but visible growth both in character and capability. Mastering impromptu and honing your ability to think on your feet requires rigorous practice. While you can never prepare for a specific impromptu round, you should be perpetually preparing to be unprepared. Practice impromptu every single day.

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Impromptu – Storytelling (part 2) By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

“Once Upon a Time:” Storytelling, Impromptu, and Human Interaction

Once you’ve caught the vision and built a system, it’s time to develop a confident and persuasive impromptu style. It’s quite likely that if you’re just getting started with impromptu, you’re also new to the very idea of delivering speeches. The good news is that impromptu is the best way to improve your vocal and physical delivery. Storytelling is the powerful key in speech and debate that will simultaneously unlock your impromptu potential in four ways…

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Impromptu- Mind Mapping (part 1) By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Impromptu Intimidation ​

Impromptu strikes fear into the heart of almost every speech and debate competitor when they begin their speech journey. I remember being handed a slip of paper with the word “joy” on it one day in speech club when I was twelve years old. After two minutes of preparation time, I stood in front of my peers and mumbled about how joy was different than happiness for approximately thirty seconds. Sound familiar?

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Novices- Where to Start in Speech and Debate – part 2

Posted on by Heather Neumann

In the last article, we analyzed where novices could/should start in Speech and Debate, in general. That included debate, as well as the type of speeches - Platform, Interp, and Limited Prep. Today we are going to look at the specific categories of speeches offered in different leagues, because I often get asked the question, "what speech event should my novice/beginning student do?"

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Novices- Where to Start in Speech and Debate – part 1

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I am sure if you were to ask ten different Speech and Debate Coaches what type of Speech or Debate is good to do for a beginning student, you might get ten different answers. Of course each and every senerio is going to be unique and so here are some of my thoughts when encouraging new students to start Speech and Debate…

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Online Apologetics – Growing Together – by: Rachel Bechtel

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We hear all the time that one of the speech events that most alumni competitors wish they would have done whether they competed in it or not, is Apologetics! Matthew 18:20 says, ” When two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Learning and growing in Apologetics is so much bigger then a speech competititon. We are looking forward to another great year of seeking God’s Truth together!

Our goal in Online Apologetics is to…

– Discuss and dig into the life-transforming answers God’s Word provides.
– Expose you to a variety of Apologetics resources, introduce you to a variety of passionate Apologetics speakers, and encourage you with challenging discussion and weekly application.
– Equip you to powerfully, gently, and clearly defend the foundational doctrines of Christianity.
– Give you the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on your Apologetics speeches.

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Introducing our Newest Coach – Abbey Lovett

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We are excited to introduce you to another member of our Lasting Impact! team! Abbey Lovett has been coaching Speech and Debate for 4 years.  She has had an amazing Speech and Debate career-a few of her highest accomplishments include 2016 National Impromptu Champion, 2015 National Team Policy Speaker Champion. Abbey is scheduling appointments for either Speech and/or TP Debate. Here is what she had to say in her interview…

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