Posts by Heather Neumann

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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Sample Speech Club Syllabus with Lasting Impact! Vol. 1

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Starting and leading a Speech and Debate Club can take a lot of time and energy. Club leaders are amazing! However, many club leaders feel inadequate and unequipped. I have been asked numerous times to show what a sample syllabus of what a random speech club would/could look like. Challenge accepted! So naturally I thought I would use Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 as my guide. Please note- Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 was not written as a curriculum, but because we follow your speech journey, you can see the path I chose to use. Whether you are a new club leader or a leader looking for a fresh new approach on how to combat club this year, here is a possible syllabus using Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 as your main resource….

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Online Apologetics Starts in Less than 3 Weeks- space limited!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! is gearing up for another great year of living in the word through Online Apologetics. You do not need to be a competitor of Speech and Debate to get a better understanding of the Christian Faith. You don’t have to walk that road alone. Each year we have students, along with their families join us in the journey. Through the power of technology we have people across the nation joining us every Tuesday evening starting Sept. 12 from 8:00-9:00 CT.

When I asked Online Apol. Leader, Rachel Bechtel, what can Online Apol. do for students? She replied, “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 forem has helped me answer some of the biggest questions about my faith – like, why does God allow us to sin and yet still hold us accountable? Why do bad things happen to good people?”

If you want to be part of this season’s Online Apol. group, click here.

Guest Blog: Grappling with Grendel: Seeking Growth above Trophies

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I had the priveledge of coaching and working with Alexander Kidd (along with the other amazing members of his club in Ohio) this past year, and specifically witnessing his speech journey. I asked him to share what he learned this year. As you are grappling with what events to participate in, I hope you take heart Alexander’s message….

From my first days as a Speech and Debate competitor, I considered myself, first and foremost, a debater. My categorization of speeches could be generally understood as follows:

1. interps are great for amusement (from the Latin: a + musa or without thought).

2. platforms are not for me.

3. limited preps are worth doing to avoid timing them.

Perhaps, I overstate my mindset, nevertheless, I most certainly viewed speech as something to pass the time between debate rounds. Yet this past year, which also happened to be my senior year, I had something of a mindset switch. Now please don’t misunderstand me, none of this new revelation in anyway dampened my passion for debate. But it did cause me to view my involvement in Speech and Debate through a different lens.

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Oh, Look at the Time! The Importance of Time Management

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Congratulations, you’ve made it through another season of speech and debate. But the next season is looming on the horizon. Yep, that’s right. It’s already time to start this fun, educational, and sleep-depriving adventure all over again. But we aren’t going in empty handed, no we are not. If there was one thing speech and debate has taught me (and taught me the hard way) it’s that time-management can take any big task and turn it into a small one. I want to help you get a kick start on your season by utilizing the very effective skill of...Time Management!

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What?! Speech All Year Long?!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

People have asked me- “how did your kids become so successful?” They assume I have a degree in theater, they think my kids are all “naturally gifted”, or they think we just happened to stumble on the perfect piece. The fact of the matter is, my kids put a lot of time into Speech… We all do! Speech is a team effort in my home. Speech and Debate is a year long event.

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Apologetics – Where to Start

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Preparing in the summer for Speech and Debate? For limited prep events? Seems unnecessary, to say the least… maybe even incongruous. Despite the category’s connotations, starting prep in the summer will enable you to actualize your maximum competitive potential and derive the greatest educational benefit. This week, I’ll be sharing some strategies for conquering the task, starting with apologetics.

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