Posts by Heather Neumann

Guest Post- Elizabeth Tomaszewski – Courage, Dear Heart

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Elizabeth Tomaszewski  competed in Speech and Debate for five years! She didn’t break until her third year- her junior year in high school. Her senior year she broke in LD for the first time. She ended up bringing six speeches and LD to Regionals (Iron Man), qualifying to The NCFCA National Championship in Impromtu and Apologetics. She was the 2013 Region Six Apologetics Champion.

Elizabeth states, “for two years I competed without breaking, but my mom encouraged me to keep trying and I knew I still had a lot to learn. My biggest challenge was being comfortable in my rounds. If I forgot a line- I stood there until I remembered it. I used to think public speaking was being able to deliver a speech perfectly from memory, now I know it is sharing a message. My advice to younger competitors is to enjoy your speeches. You are sharing a message with people about something you care about. Put the competition away for a minute and focus on why you are giving this speech. There is more to public speaking than first place. Believe me, I’ve been there.”

Below is Elizabeth’s encouragement to competitors struggling to break and who want to throw in the towel….

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Guest Post- Community Judges- pt. 3

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Community Judges, Part 3: Persuade Them

Be Orators, Not Debaters

“All right,” you may be thinking, “Community judges may be a necessity. I recognize they approach debate with a mindset of hesitancy and self-doubt. And I may very well be able to mitigate this mindset by somewhat adapting to this mindset. But how for heaven’s sake do I stop getting bogus ballots? WHAT’S WRONG WITH THESE COMMUNITY JUDGES?!”

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Guest Post- Community Judges- pt. 2

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Community Judges, Part 2: Adapt to Their Mind Set

As expected, the transition from competitor to alumnus was a bit jarring. I managed to control the overpowering nostalgia, to overcome the sensation that I was trespassing into unauthorized areas (such as the much-vaunted judges’ hospitality), and to quell the “something-is-amiss” feeling engendered by my casual attire.

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Guest Post- Community Judges, pt. 1

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Community Judges, Part 1: The Necessity of Community Judges

You didn’t break. Or you were eliminated in a crucial outround. Or you barely lost in finals. You charge to ballot retrieval, seize your manila envelope, and frantically rifle through until you find the ballot you were dreading. The speaker points appear randomly assigned. The RFD looks borderline incoherent, rhapsodizes about your opponent’s speaking style, and displays an appalling amount of bias. In one moment, it all coalesces — you remember their light blue nametag, their garbled attempts at articulating their judging experience, and their glazed expression during your final speech. You glance at their signature. Suspicions confirmed. The circled “C” — signifying “community judge” — leers smugly back at you.

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Parents Perspective- NC- Largest NCFCA Qualifier

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Almost 400 competitors.

Over 50 staff.

128 timer people.

11 different speech categories

3 types of debate

1000’s of judge slots

Heather says: Have you ever thought about how many different perspectives goes on in a Speech and Debate Tournament? I usually work- seeing the tournament from whatever perspective I am in, or where I am at. This time I judged, witnessing things I might not typically see. However, God is working through us all- students, parents, staff, the facility workers, community judges, etc. It takes a community of people to do what we do! Because I judged this tournament- seeing it from a new perspective, and I was reminded how we each have our own perspective. I watched nervous competitors walk into rooms, I saw kids praying with each other, I saw stressful situations, I sat with other parents while filling out ballots, I had conversations that touched me, I saw tears, I saw joy…Through it all God was there. It’s always nice to get a new perspective, but I think sometimes I know I need to remember- my perspective isn’t the only one.

Kristi says: In North Carolina I judged a LOT. And I learned some things that informed me, inspired me, delighted me, challenged me. Mostly, what I learned is that there are a LOT of kids out there who are working hard for a better
future. They are preparing themselves to be researchers, policy makers, and
leaders who are governed by values that transcend today’s desires. I
learned anew how much I love investing in that effort with my own feeble
attempts to help them along the way by writing ballots. I learned that kids
can get to my heart faster than anything else. And I learned that there are
lots of other moms and dads out there talking, talking, talking to today’s
youth, pouring heart and soul into encouraging them, and coming together as
a big community to stand together for what is hopeful.

We asked friends from around the country…

What did God reveal to you while at one of the largest Speech and Debate Qualifiers this season?

V- (parent)- I saw again this year what a “family” NCFCA is to us. I served on staff and arrived later than I had planned. The teenage son of dear church friends had fallen 50 feet from a cliff in a terrible hiking accident on Sat before the tournament was to begin on Monday. He lay unconscious and in critical condition in the hospital. During the tournament week, my husband called to tell me that another close friend had died of melanoma–not a complete surprise–but much sooner than expected. This friend also had teenage sons. So our church (and particularly our youth group) was really hurting.

All that to say, the burdens I was bearing–with and for my church family–were also shouldered during the tournament week by my NCFCA family. My staff group cried out to God with me for my dear friends at home. They also tenderly prayed for me–that I could complete the tasks the Lord had given me to do in Black Mountain. Most graciously, they offered to cover my tasks if I needed to leave.

I’m always telling my students and our club members that NCFCA isn’t just about the competition. It isn’t even just about learning communication skills. But God reminded me of that reality again in a powerful way at Black Mountain by giving me sisters in Christ who fulfilled the command to “bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”

S- (parent)- Although it is easy to be swept away into the excitement of competition, once again I was reminded of why we participate in NCFCA. Our children are stepping into a terribly confused and desperate world. The purpose of this speech and debate training is so our children will be well prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks them to give the reason for the hope they have — and to do so with gentleness and respect.

J- (parent)- Stepping out of your comfort zone! Trying something new and trusting the Lord will provide the means, the way, and the joy. You just have to put in the effort, let go of the outcome, and give the glory to God.

V- (parent)- As I walked the grounds of Ridgecrest, during the National Open, I was struck by the overwhelming love of the kids praying for one another, in little alcoves, outside doors, and then in a massive group hug, our Region, prior to the awards ceremony. Two pervasive thoughts ran through my head: (1) Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established. and (2) And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? God is at work in NCFCA in raising up the remnant of believers to have His heart, His truth and His voice. Just as Moses was given a voice through Aaron, NCFCA is raising up God-loving believers as orators of the Truth in a lost world. What I witnessed in North Carolina was a real, tangible example of Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. NCFCA is raising up Kingdom builders, that love God, one another and speak truth to a world where relativism and deception abound.

S- (parent)- I think what I most learned pertained to my own children. I got to see their character in action. I got to see them respond to trials, I got to see how much they can press through and when they need to stop and recharge. Being amongst fellow believers on a big but safe campus really allowed me to give my kids a bit more space and watch how they handled it. I judged continuously, but checked in with the little kids and big sis babysitter between rounds. I also got to watch other people’s children and see how they responded to trials. NCFCA kids are very impressive; they aren’t perfect but none of us are. I am most impressed by students who are aware of their surroundings and want to engage the world for God’s sake. Students, who stand out, are the ones who greet moms on the sidewalks or who befriend future competitors or novices. Students who see beyond the moment and spread God’s love wherever they are the ones which lead me to lift up praise to our Lord. Engaging like this is so so challenging for introverted children like mine, but it’s what the Lord calls us to, and I challenge my children that they are being prideful if they succumb to protecting themselves in an introverted fashion when the should be reaching out to share the love of Christ. May God give us grace to keep growing in love toward one another and Him!

A- (parent)- A LOT! From praying with parents to encouraging students, and sharing my experience of laughing so hard I cried during an impromptu round…God was present through it all.

H and L (parents)- North Carolina was a very special tournament for us this year. What a blessing it was to be with all the other families and to have a chance to hear speeches from so many students. The setting in itself is a picture of God’s creation, as we enjoyed the rolling hills and the sunsets as each day closed. We especially enjoyed watching from our window as a small tribe of young students climb the hill behind the conference center to place their chosen Bible verses at the foot of the cross on the top of the hill. We are so thankful for the families we have met and the special friendships that we have developed across the generations, not only in our own region, but across the entire country! What a blessing to see God working to build relationships and develop talents for His glory!

P- (parent)- As a parent who was judging, it was fun to sit at tables with new faces, meet new people from other parts of the country! A National Open is a unique opportunity to meet and connect with a larger group of homeschoolers across the country. It’s enriching to experience being part of that larger group of people. There are many people like you, and you might meet some like-minded folks and establish new friendships.

Help your kids recognize that judging styles vary from across the country: people see and judge differently. One debate ballot said they didn’t like it when the debaters said at the beginning of a cross-ex, “I trust you’re doing well today.” The judge thought it sounded insincere, and voted off of that. There is no way to know what judges are going to think about things like this. Another judge may find it rude if you don’t ask. Be yourself and be sincere (and of course do be polite). That is all you can do. 🙂

S- (parent)- The NC Open is one of my favorite tournaments each year! This year I was reminded of the NCFCA Mission Statement of “…addressing life’s issues from a biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God.” I was challenged to make sure I was doing that in my daily walk with Christ and actually living it out, not just asking students to do it at a tournament. Taking the focus off “my tournament” to walking it out from the lens of one focused on serving Christ caused me to be more patient, concerned more for others and way more loving! I had the true joy that only comes from Christ even during my most tired moments. It was good to go back to the mission statement and live it out.

photo credit: Julieanne Photography

Starting a New Speech… Mid Season

Posted on by Heather Neumann

You went to the first tournament and got inspired watching a Duo or Open Interpretation... OR... You just aren't feeling the piece you developed over the last four months... OR... You are suddenly motivated to Persuade people... OR... You have the most epic idea!! What do you do?! Do you wait until next season when you have more time to develop a new Piece? Do you rally to create what could be the next National-level Speech? Before jumping in... Here are some things to think about...

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Students’ Perspective- NC- The Largest Qualifier

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Some of may or may not have noticed… There was no blog post last week! Perhaps you were like so many Speech and Debate families and you headed to Black Mountain, NC, for one of the largest NCFCA Speech and Debate Tournaments!! Almost 400 homeschoolers/competitors gathering to tackle 11 different Speech categories and three types of Debate! Kristi and I had the pleasure of judging almost 200 students! Believe me- I wasn’t on vacation, although I had a blast! We both did! I am always so blessed with how God is working with in these students. It is amazing what IMPACT they are having!

We could write a post all about what the Lord taught US… But we thought it might be more fun to let you see what God was doing in the lives of those who were were able to attend and compete… We asked the question…

What did God teach you at NC- the largest NCFCA Qualifier of the season?

J- (student)- Humility. NC is such a big tournament and it’s humbling to see so many other talented individuals competing. It was such a refreshing and enjoyable tournament.

L- (student)- ….that even after you fall out of the competition- you can still learn! And if you don’t do as well as you had hoped, you have to go home, work hard, put in the effort, and come back stronger than ever. Working hard at something and giving it your all will have much more lasting and beneficial results, rather than getting any trophy.

G- (student)- That there’s still more to learn.
The unknown competition and different judge pool made the massive tournament even more intimidating. I didn’t recognize any of the people in my rooms, it was (for lack of a better word) scary. As everyone went through the motions, breaks were upon us sooner than later. Many people who were expected to break did… Not.
As I got more comfortable talking to outside Regions and take in account my ballots, I see that there is a whole other style of communication and we must adapt to it. I’m not saying there’s this secret code we have to learn, but that we must be willing to change our ways to properly communicate to others.
I’m still learning how reach people through my words, and NC helped me get a little closer.

J- (student)- I learned the importance of being likeable to the judge, in general (smiling, using humor in debate, for example); and remembering, from the beginning, the judge is in the room.

Z- (student)- You can achieve your goals when you set your priorities and apply yourself with hard work. After a disappointment at a Regional Qualifier,  I was feeling very upset, and not certain of what to do about it, before the NC Open. But then I remembered that the main purpose of my competing was not to win tournaments, to bring home medals, or to receive popularity because of my success, but to glorify God through my conduct towards others and in the way I compete. When I had that mindset while preparing for the North Carolina national open I found that I was able to perform better and to be more comfortable in tournament while presenting. Not only that but when I had a bad round I was able to remind myself that as long as I glorified God I had achieved my goal. By the end of the tournament I did better than I ever thought I would. I couldn’t have been happier with my personal performance and I feel like having my priorities straight and working hard during the tournament were big components to my success. And it served as a reminder to me to never give up, and to always give God the glory for my success to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

H- (student)- How easy it can be to get complacent in your own region and how easy it can be to begin to expect certain things that you really should never take for granted. For instance, breaking in debate or people agreeing with you on certain speech topics, or even people just enjoying your speaking style. It’s incredibly natural for those things to begin to be so normal to you that you fail to appreciate them. Being at a National Open really shook that up for me and gave me a broader perspective on NCFCA.

G- (student)- Sometimes the best thing to before a round is take some time by yourself to relax and focus. If you’re feeling nervous before a round or even the entire tournament just remember that if you focus on the competition you will usually be in a good head space to perform well. Take a few deep breathes and make the competition your priority. Also, I found one of the best ways to make yourself and the judges comfortable before any speech is to simply… Smile. show them those pearly whites. I noticed not enough students smile before they give a speech. I watched several from different categories and none of the performers utilized that time before the speech to make a connection with the judge. You’re influencing that judge from the moment you walk into that room. Give it your all, not from the start of your speech but from the moment you walk into that room.

N- (student)- …that in order to be more passionate and engaging when giving a platform speech you have to think of your speech as a conversation. Be excited about what you are talking about!

H- (student)- …learning to accept constructive criticism with thankfulness. I am learning to be kinder and striving to mentor the youngest competitors in debate rounds. I am challenging myself to be focused under pressure despite unforeseen distractions.

We are constantly in AWE of what God is doing through Speech and Debate! Love these kids! Love our God!

Thank you for judging!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

image

This totally may seem like an obvious post. But I will still write it… If nothing else to remind my fellow judges.

1. Turn off cell phones. Check, double check.Turning it to vibrate is not good enough. Do not be that distracting person.

2. Be attentive. There is nothing more disheartening to my speech friends when adult judges look bored. Please give them the respect you would want if you were speaking to a group of people. If you can sit towards front and center, that is helpful. It’s fine to take notes, but try to keep eyes up to speaker as much as possible.

3. Check the competitor names on your ballot to make sure that you have no conflict of interest. Depending on what organization you are judging for, conflicts could include your daughter’s best friend, someone you just had over for dinner, etc. Students can give speeches out of listed order, being familiar with your list of kids will be helpful. I like to take the names of the kids and write each of their names on their individual ballot to familiarize myself with the names. This is also a good self check to see if a name I initially missed is in my room.

4. Make sure all judges are present prior to beginning the round. Typically, there are 3 judges, but some debate rounds will have fewer.

5. You may ask a Communications Staff Member or hall monitor to check with tournament staff if you have questions.

6. Use time before the round begins to read rules. Knowing what you are about to see can give you a heads up.

7. Audience members may come and go. Try not to let that be a distraction.

8. Set aside personal bias and expertise and judge based on ballot criteria.

9. Be responsive! It’s ok to laugh, smile, even enjoy yourself! However; do not interrupt or question speakers about the content of their speech at any time.

10. Please use ink pen (not pencil) to fill out your ballot evaluation and rank sections.

11. Write initial impressions & key notes on ballots after each speaker. Remember your feedback is extremely valuable! Please be sure to give your opinion, as well as what the student could do to improve.

12. Stay in room until all competitors listed on the ballot have delivered their speech. Remember students may have multiple speeches they compete in. I personally, like the extra time to fill out more of my ballot between speakers. If it seems like you are waiting too long, you could locate the Comm. Staff or hall monitor to let them know.

13. Return to the Judge’s Hospitality area immediately after the last speaker to fully complete ballot with rankings and additional comments. This will help you locate where you will be turning in your ballot! If you forget… They will find you.

14. Record YOUR ranking (1 – 8) on the tabulation sheet.  Remember- this is your opinion. If you have any penalties,  a staff member will help you..

15. Please do not confer with other judges or students about your individual rank and comments, during or after the round. Your opinion is your own. Do not convince other judges, parents, or students how you feel about one’s speech. Remember until the tournament is over, your thoughts should be kept to yourself. Students will get all the feedback at the end of the tournament.

These Speech Tournaments could not take place with place without the judges. You are much appreciated! Thank you for judging!

Character Development

Posted on by Heather Neumann

How well do you really know someone?  What’s their story? What’s their background? We are midway through the season… And I want to see competitors fully engaged to their characters in their Interpretive Speeches (this includes Biblical Presentation). At this point competitors should have a sense of who their characters really are. I can tell when one is performing a memorized speech and when one is truly visualizing and understanding each and every character. I want every competitor to bring it to the next level. This is the difference between performing and acting.

Kristi and I have developed a resource to bring your Interp to the next level! Our Character Analysis and Worksheets help competitors really process who their characters are. Warning- research and actual thought process may have to be done.

Let me give you some examples- If you are playing the part of a child with cancer- you may want to visit a hospital with cancer patients. Are you connected and understand what they are going through? If you want a character to have a German accent, you may need to go on YouTube to learn how. If you are trying to develop your character of Wilber, in Charolette’s Web, you may need to dig deep to understand loneliness and what a friend would really mean to you. This may sound over the top, but really understanding and developing your characters is pivotal for a well-rounded piece. For my students, this is what I want them to achieve, I want them to understand what they are trying to represent. This is part of the lesson of being in Speech- understanding people or characters in a whole new way.

Our worksheets bring you through the process of developing YOUR characters. The reason I stress your is because, I should not see the same Interpretation twice. Your development of characters should be unique. If you don’t know who your character is or who they are trying to represent- you need to go through the process of figuring it out. The worksheets will help you with…

Emotional Development

Character Analysis

Background

Physical Development

and more!

Here’s what people have said about our worksheets…

“WOW – The Character Analysis and Worksheets is a super helpful document! I was familiar with the concept of character development, but this fleshed it out so thoroughly! It really does separate those performers who have done the work and those who haven’t. It takes the character from two dimensions to three!” -Parent

“These worksheets helped me develop my characters, so I could really visualize who I wanted them to be.” -Student

“I wish I had these when I started Speech years ago!” -Student

My hope is that at the end of the season, students will have more than just “a Speech”. That they will have accomplished more than just memorizing a piece of literature, a play, script, or section of the bible. My hope is for students to have a deeper understanding of characters and people. That this experience in Speech will impact them, as well their audience, for the rest of their lives.