Our speech and debate summer camps aren’t just about communication! At Lasting Impact! we focus on connection and community, building friendships across regions and leagues. Our team is thrilled to offer you a wide variety of online camps throughout the summer months. We are offering a variety of ONLINE CAMPS to help you grow, grow, GROW… including camp geared toward COACHES!! And in addition to our Online Camps… we travel!! We have been to over 20 states… including Hawaii! All camps are now open for REGISTRATION, and over the next few weeks we will be introducing you to our elite coaches. We can’t wait for you to join us or contact Anne (anne.lastingimpact@gmail.com) to learn more about hosting a specialized camp in your area!!
Are you at NCFCA Nationals? Come visit us for a chance to meet our summer coaches and win fun prizes! Checking in from home? Reach out to our new Education Programs Director Anne McClure (anne.lastingimpact@gmail.com) to be entered into our drawing for a free coaching session. Here’s to a great summer together!
Summer is often seen as a time to relax, recharge, and step away from the classroom. While rest is important, summer can also be an incredible opportunity for students to develop skills that will benefit them for years to come. At Lasting Impact!, our Summer Speech & Debate Camps are designed to help students grow as communicators, thinkers, leaders, and confident young adults.
The benefits extend far beyond a week of camp. The skills learned through speech and debate become tools students carry into school, college, careers, and everyday life.
Building Confidence One Conversation at a Time
One of the greatest benefits of speech and debate is increased confidence. Students learn how to organize their thoughts, express ideas clearly, and speak in front of others with poise. Whether they are giving a presentation in class, interviewing for a job, auditioning for a show, or speaking at a community event, confidence in communication becomes a lifelong advantage. Research consistently shows that public speaking experiences help students become more comfortable sharing ideas and participating in academic and professional settings.
At camp, students practice in a supportive environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn. Many participants arrive nervous about speaking and leave eager to share their voices.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Speech and debate are much more than standing in front of an audience. Students learn to analyze information, evaluate evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and build logical arguments. These critical thinking skills strengthen performance across academic subjects and help students become thoughtful problem-solvers.
Debate, in particular, challenges students to understand both sides of an issue. Learning how to respectfully disagree, defend a position, and respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints prepares students for real-world discussions and decision-making.
Strengthening Research and Writing Abilities
Every great speech or debate begins with research. Students learn how to find credible sources, evaluate information, and support claims with evidence. These skills naturally translate into stronger essays, better class projects, and improved academic performance.
In an age where information is everywhere, the ability to distinguish fact from opinion is more valuable than ever.
Preparing Students for Academic Success
Research has found connections between debate participation and improved academic outcomes, including gains in analytical thinking and language arts performance. Students who participate in speech and debate often become more engaged learners because they are regularly practicing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills together.
Speech and debate encourage students to think deeply, ask questions, and communicate their ideas effectively—skills that support success in every classroom.
Learning Leadership and Collaboration
While many people picture speech and debate as individual activities, they are also highly collaborative. Students work together to brainstorm ideas, practice presentations, provide feedback, and support one another’s growth. Through these experiences, campers develop leadership skills, teamwork, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
These interpersonal skills are essential in both educational and professional environments.
Finding Their Voice
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of speech and debate is that students discover their voice. They learn that their ideas matter, their perspectives have value, and they can make an impact through effective communication. Educators and coaches often describe speech and debate as one of the most transformative extracurricular experiences because it helps students become active participants in their schools and communities.
For some students, that means becoming a stronger advocate. For others, it means overcoming shyness, developing leadership skills, or simply gaining the confidence to speak up in class.
The Lasting Impact Difference
At Lasting Impact!, our Summer Speech & Debate Camps focus on creating a welcoming, engaging environment where students can challenge themselves, build friendships, and grow as communicators. Through interactive activities, fun competitions, collaborative learning, and personalized coaching, students develop practical skills while having an unforgettable summer experience.
The confidence they gain, the friendships they build, and the communication skills they develop won’t end when camp concludes. Those lessons become part of who they are—creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond the summer months.
This summer, give your student more than just an activity. Give them a voice, a platform, and the confidence to use both.Are you interested in running a camp? Talk to Anne McClure – anne.e.mcclure@gmail.com about bringing a Lasting Impact! Team TO YOU!! Our Online Schedule will be RELEASED SOON!!
As we move toward the close of another incredible speech and debate season, this is the time to make a valuable moment to pause, reflect, and grow. AKA- Don’t STOP!!
The end of a season is not just about celebrating what went well—it’s also the perfect time for intentional assessment. Whether a student just completed a production, wrapped up a speech season, finished a debate cycle, or completed a class, personalized coaching can help turn experience into lasting growth.
That’s why we’re excited to offer a special BOGO Coaching Call promotion – FOR ONE WEEK ONLY… now through May 24: Buy one coaching call and receive one free (with the same coach). Read ALL the details below…
This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families who want to maximize progress while building momentum for their Regional, National, next season, or beyond!
Why End-of-Season Coaching Matters
A coaching call at the close of a season gives students the chance to process their growth while the experience is still fresh. Having a professional help to assess ballots, cases, both in speech and debate can make a difference.
In these sessions, students can:
Assess what went well in past competition
Identify strengths that should continue
Pinpoint growth areas in confidence, technique, preparation, or mindset
Receive personalized feedback from a coach who understands their goals
Create a clear next-step plan for summer or fall training
Too often, students jump from one tournament right into the next without taking time to reflect. But reflection is where real growth happens, especially when you are reflecting with an experienced coach.
Assessment transforms “I did it” into “Here’s how I get even better.” If you have been getting minor improvement ballots all season long… a one hour coaching session can help bring you to the next level!
The Power of Two Calls Instead of One
The beauty of this BOGO offer is that the second call creates space for follow-through.
The first coaching session can focus on:
Season reflection
Strengths and challenges
Goal setting
Honest assessment
The free second session with the same coach allows students to:
Revisit those goals
Check progress
Strengthen skills discussed in the first session
Prepare for the next level
Build confidence with consistency
OR use the coaching call for multiple family members
Growth happens best when feedback is paired with action. Two calls give students both the insight and the support they need.
BOGO Coaching Offer Details…
All coaching must be done by June 1
Buy one coaching call and receive one free with the same coach (some exceptions can apply).
ONLY one paid session per family.
Offer good for members or nonmembers of Lasting Impact!
Coaches include – Heather Neumann, Kristi Eskelund, Caleb McClure, Hillary Kolssak, Nathanael Kolssak, and Seth Margolis
The season may be ending, but growth doesn’t stop here!! Now is the perfect time to invest in reflection, refinement, and readiness for what’s next. Click HERE to schedule your coaching call today.
Imagine for a moment that you were the one being judged… You step onto a stage, or in front of a classroom, give a speech, perform a song, submit a piece of writing, or present an idea you have worked hard on. When the results come back, the comment sheet says:
“Good job.”
That’s it.
No explanation. No encouragement about what worked. No guidance about what could improve.
How helpful would that be?
Probably not very. Especially if you were hoping to improve or gorw!
Yet this is increasingly what feedback looks like today—short, vague, and often almost nonexistent. I recently was going over a competitor’s ballots with them and it took less than 5 minutes to go through 6-9 ballots! Is this because he had a flawless performance? Does he not have room for growth? No. I believe judges don’t exactly know what type of feedback students are looking for. Plus, in many areas of life—education, competitions, workplaces, even the arts—people are writing less and less when evaluating others. Time is short. Attention spans are shorter. And meaningful critique is quietly disappearing. But good feedback is not just helpful—it is essential for growth. So- what can we do about it? Grab a cup of coffee and read this article!!
Last week I went to see one of my favorite Broadway shows at a local theater. Something was missing. The set was awesome! The costumes were great! It was a full cast! Something was off!? Anyone who spends time in theatre has experienced it. The actors say all the right words. They move to the right places. The show looks polished and well-rehearsed. Yet somehow… it feels hollow. The same thing can happen in Speech and Debate!!
What’s missing?
Often the difference comes down to three very different approaches to speaking lines: reciting, performing, and feeling.
Great thinking doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built over time through intentional learning, strong ideas, and meaningful conversation. That’s exactly what Lasting Impact! is here!!
When you subscribe to Lasting Impact!, you’ll receive weekly articles designed to challenge, encourage, and equip students, parents, and coaches in Speech & Debate and beyond. Presently, we have OVER 600 articles!! That’s TEN years worth of information!! We are the LONGEST Speech and Debate Community supporting leagues, clubs, coaches, parents, and students!! We love what we do! And we are here to stay!
What You’ll Get When You Subscribe
✔ Weekly Articles Thoughtful pieces on critical thinking, purposeful practice, communication skills, and competitive growth—written to be practical, encouraging, and immediately usable.
✔ Top News & Ideas at Your Fingertips Stay informed on relevant topics, emerging arguments, and trends shaping conversations in debate rounds and classrooms alike. We are active involved coaches… judging and running tournaments. We are club leaders listening to students and reading ballots. We have a pulse of what is going on. Each article is written with purpose—so you can spend less time searching and more time growing.
✔ Tools You Can Actually Use From practice techniques and speaking tips to mindset shifts and coaching strategies—everything is created to support real growth, not just theory. We have years of experience from around the nation.
✔ Encouragement for the Journey Whether you’re a student learning to find your voice, a parent supporting from the sidelines, or a coach guiding a team, you’ll find insight that meets you where you are.
Why Lasting Impact! Exists
This space was created to build thinkers, not repeaters. To start conversations, not end them. To be bold, grow, be courageous and strong. To give you resources that inspire independent work, deeper thinking, and confident communication.
Simple. Valuable. Worth Your Time.
No clutter. No overwhelm. Just clear ideas delivered straight to your inbox—so the best insights are always within reach.
Subscribe today and never miss an article. Look for the SUBSCRIBE button on the right of the home page on a computer, or scroll below on a mobile device.
Practice is where Speech and Debate competitors are truly made—but not all practice is created equal. Hours spent rehearsing without focus can lead to burnout, frustration, and stalled growth. Purposeful practice, on the other hand, builds thinkers, communicators, and confident competitors. The difference isn’t time... It’s intention. Read on for more EIGHT intentional practice tips and to understand why purposeful practice is so important...
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What’s the point of asking your judge what they want to see in the round? There isn’t one, if you’re not going to act on it. One of the biggest mistakes debaters make is misunderstanding what it means when a judge says they want you to focus on impacting. Most debaters think that means just making it really clear why you should win that particular argument. Some debaters will take it a step further and interpret that statement to mean explaining why that argument wins the round. However, very few debaters understand the implicit request in that phrase. We often forget there should be some guiding idea or principle behind every debate case. Judges want to hear not just why you win an argument, or why that argument wins you the round, but why that argument matters beyond the context of high school speech and debate. Continue to read THREE levels of layered impact…
One of the most common pieces of feedback students receive in Speech and Debate is about hand gestures: too stiff, too distracting, too much, or not enough. While gestures can feel awkward at first, when used well, they become one of the most powerful tools a speaker has.
The goal isn’t perfect choreography. The goal is natural communication.
Hand gestures should support meaning—not compete with it. Remember, hand gestures can help grab your audience’s attention or also give them a VISUAL CLUE as to what you are trying to say. They are a big deal to helping you effectively communicate your thoughts, but they can also distract!! What can you do? Read on to hear Heather’s tips on how to create meaningful hand gestures that aren’t over-the-top, yet still have an IMPACT!…
To win an LD round, you’ve got to convince your judge that your side is “good.” But to answer that question, you first need to ask a more important question: What IS the good? In the particular situation posed by this particular resolution, what ought we to value as our highest priority? Why should we value it? Is LD just a math problem? Is it enough to just tally up the benefits and count up which side provides more? If you’d like to discuss these principles further, or get personal help refining your cases, a few spots are still available in this semester’s LD Socratic Circle club. The club meets on Mondays at 6pm CT. Sign up here: https://lastingimpact.info/product/club24801/
Coach Henry Chen addresses these questions and more in this new resource available as a free download in the Lasting Impact shop. His article describes the two levels of argumentation that an LD debater must win, and he explores the scenarios that can occur when students fail to recognize the clashing worldviews at play in a round. This resource will help debaters and coaches better identify conflicting frameworks and weigh the impacts of each side. Check it out int the Lasting Impact! Library as a PDF soon~
The “Two-Step” of LD Debate Lincoln-Douglas debate is unique because it requires two distinct victories. You cannot just prove your side is “good” (Step 2); you must first prove how we define “good” (Step 1). The “Scale” metaphor visualizes this hierarchy. Step 1: The First Order of Debate (The Framework) Image: Top Left (Framework Conflict) ● The Metaphor: This panel represents the Value and Criterion debate. ● The Action: Notice the two debaters are not looking at the weights (the arguments/impacts) on the table. They are arguing about the instruments in their hands. ○ The debater on the left wants to use a Standard Balance Scale (Utilitarianism). He wants to measure quantity—who has the biggest pile of benefits? ○ The debater on the right wants to use a Precision Gauge (Deontology). He wants to measure quality—did a specific rule or right get violated? ● The Lesson for Students: “Before you tell me how many lives you saved or how much money you made (the weights), you must win the argument of which type of scale the judge should use to weigh the round. If you start throwing weights on the table before the judge has picked a scale, you are wasting your time.”
Step 2: The Second Order of Debate (The Impacts) Once the “First Order” is settled and a scale is chosen, the debate moves to the “Second Order”—weighing the arguments. There are three possible outcomes shown in the other panels.
Outcome A: The Utilitarian Framework Wins Image: Top Right (Utilitarian Match) ● The Scenario: The judge accepted the Utilitarian framework, and both sides are arguing about quantity of impacts. (e.g., Value of Prosperity with a Criterion of Maximizing Well-being). ● The Metaphor: We use the scale that measures quantity, the debate becomes a math problem. ● The Action: ○ Left Pan: “Maximize Happiness” + “Save Lives” (Heavy weights). ○ Right Pan: “Minor Harm” (Light weight). ● The Result: The scale tips. One quantitative impact is found to be “heavier” than the other. ● The Lesson: “If Utilitarianism wins as the scale, then the heaviest pile of rocks wins. Your goal is to pile up as many positive consequences as possible. The side with the greater quantity or has the ‘heavier’ net benefit wins the round.”
Outcome B: The Deontological Framework Wins (The Clash of Duties) Image: Bottom Right (Deontological Match) ● The Scenario: The judge accepted a Deontological framework, but both sides are arguing about duties. ● The Metaphor: We use the scale that measures quality, the debate becomes a calculus of duties and rights. ● The Action: ○ Left Pan: “Duty to Protect” (e.g., National Security). ○ Right Pan: “Human Right” (e.g., Privacy). ● The Result: The scale tips. One moral duty is found to be “heavier” or more fundamental than the other. ● The Lesson: “If Deontology wins, then the strength of the obligation wins. Is the Duty to Protect the Nation ‘heavier’ than the Individual Right to Privacy? The side with the greater moral weight wins the round..”
Outcome C: The Deontological Framework Wins (The Mismatch) Image: Bottom Left (Deontological Mismatch) ● The Scenario: The judge accepted a Deontological framework, but the debaters have different types of things to weigh. ● The Metaphor: This scale is designed to detect specific moral properties (like rights violations), not the weight of consequences. ● The Action: The debater tries to put Utilitarian weights (“Maximize Happiness” and “Save Lives”) onto the Deontological machine. ● The Result: “DOES NOT COMPUTE.” The needle doesn’t move. The machine doesn’t care about happiness; it only cares about rights. ● The Lesson: “This is the most common novice mistake. If your opponent wins a ‘Justice/Rights’ framework, and you keep arguing that your side ‘boosts the economy’ or ‘makes people happy,’ you are putting the wrong fuel in the engine. It doesn’t matter how great your impacts are; on this scale, they weigh zero.”
And Why AI Can’t Replace the Human Touch in Speech & Debate
Artificial intelligence has changed how students write. With the click of a button, speeches can be outlined, rewritten, polished, and refined. AI can be a helpful tool—but it is not a coach. And when it comes to script assessment, nothing replaces the insight of a human who understands people, performance, and purpose.
At Lasting Impact!, we believe technology should support growth, not replace mentorship. And while AI can assist in brainstorming or editing, it cannot fully understand what makes a speech connect. Did you know Lasting Impact! has live classes (Winter 2026 Clubs just started!) instructors, and coaching waiting to work personally with your competitor? Although AI can be a great tool, don’t let it replace the human touch! Continue reading about how to use AI and ways to connect with an audience…
We’re excited to announce that scripts are now available in the SHOP at Lasting Impact!—a growing collection of thoughtfully crafted works designed for speech competitions, one-act festivals, and full theatrical productions.
Whether you’re a student preparing for competition, a coach searching for quality material, or a director looking for meaningful scripts for your program, these works were created with purpose, performance, and impact in mind.
Perfect for interpretive speech events, these scripts are crafted to:
Highlight strong characters and clear themes
Fit within competitive time limits
Offer flexibility for creative interpretation
Provide emotional depth and clarity
These pieces are ideal for students who want material that is engaging, followable, and judge-friendly, while still allowing room for originality and personal voice. These scripts are high quality, ready for you to make your own! Whether you are an individual looking for a DRAMATIC, OPEN, or HUMOROUS Interpretation or you are a dynamic DUO looking for the perfect INTERP… look no further! We have variety of SCRIPTS… and more will be posted monthly!
2. One-Act Plays
Our one-act plays are designed for:
Speech and debate competition
School performances
Festivals and showcases
They offer strong storytelling, manageable casts, and themes that resonate with both performers and audiences—making them excellent choices for programs looking for quality material without the commitment of a full-length production. One Act plays are typically between 20-40 minutes in length. They have more to cut, but are a great option for competition.
3. Full-Length Plays
For theater programs seeking meaningful, performance-ready material, our full-length plays provide:
Compelling narratives
Rich characters
Clear themes
Opportunities for ensemble and lead performers
These scripts are ideal for schools, community theaters, and homeschool groups looking for stories that challenge performers and engage audiences. Our collection has been written, published, and produced by Heather Neumann, founder of Lasting Impact! These plays are not all posted yet, but will be available in 2026 for production. Contact heather@lastingimpact.info for rights and royalty information. Plays include…
Light in the Darkness – An Adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables
A Christmas Carol
Pirates of Penzance ~ A Play with Music
Pride and Prejudice
Little Women
The Importance of Being Earnest
Written and Curated with Experience
All scripts on Lasting Impact! are written or curated by Heather Neumann—author, coach, and educator who has worked with thousands of students and coached dozens of National Champions.
Heather Neumann is an author, playwright, and nationally recognized speech coach who has worked with thousands of students and coached numerous Speech Champions. She is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech and Lasting Impact’s Speech Grab and Go, as well as multiple stage adaptations, including Light in the Darkness, inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Her work centers on meaningful storytelling, clarity of interpretation, and as always, a lasting impact!
Heather finds deep joy in working with young performers, helping them discover their voice and the power it carries to impact the world. With a gift for transforming timeless literature into accessible and compelling dramas for students and adults of all ages. Heather’s work is infused with purpose, beauty, and grace. Her greatest delight is in revealing the love of the Father through every performance. She treasures her faith, her family, and the way theater can draw hearts closer to Jesus.
But success has never been measured by awards alone. These scripts reflect years of experience understanding:
What works on stage
What resonates with judges and audiences
What challenges and grows students
What builds confidence, creativity, and communication skills
Each piece is created with the belief that performance is not just about winning—it’s about growth, connection, and lasting impact. If you believe you have a public domain or an original script that you feel is competition and Lasting Impact! worthy, contact heather@lastingimpact.info
Whether you’re preparing for a tournament, selecting a play for your program, or looking for meaningful material that stretches performers, these scripts were written to serve both excellence and heart!
We invite you to browse the growing script collection and find the piece that fits your students, your program, and your goals.
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