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New! Spring Quarter Classes – Sign Up NOW!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The Lasting Impact! Spring Quarter is right around the corner… why not get a jump start on next season? Join Lasting Impact! and these awesome instructors as they dig deeper into the elements of communication. Spring Quarter begins the week of April 20, and goes for five weeks. Sign up for any of these classes HERE. Members receive $15 off each class! Membership is only $35 for a fiscal year. Now is the time to begin your membership! Summer Online Camps are just around the corner! Be sure you SUBSCRIBE to our blog to get the latest emails, deals, discounts, and to be a part of an online community.

Spring Quarter Classes –

Interpretive Speech with Kristi Eskelund and Heather Neumann

WHEN: April 28, 29, 30, 2020
12:00 – 2:00 CT

Join Heather and Kristi TOGETHER as they explore the world of Interp. Learn what it takes to put together and perform an awesome Interpretive Speech – Open, Dramatic, Humorous, Biblical, and Duo. The information students gather here will propel them into world of Interp for years to come!

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Biblical Thematic with Heather Neumann

WHEN: Wednesdays (starting Apr 22), 9:00-10:00am CT

Learn the art of Biblical Thematic. Thinking about your theme, the elements of interp, as well as narrative, and platform speaking. Students will have a speech ready to go, and will practice performing. Even if they don’t use the piece they created next season they will know the steps they need to take to develop a great Biblical Thematic.

COST: $50 members/$65 nonmembers

Fractured Fairy Tale Camp with Julie Romeo

WHEN: Thursdays (starting Apr 23), 10:00-11:00am CT

Julie Romeo (Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development summer faculty) is offering her fun, highly interactive enrichment course for ages 10-14…

ORDER IN THE COURT; The Law Through Fairy Tale Trials

Explore the moral dilemmas at the core of classic fairy tales through law, literature, and theater. Is Jack the Giantkiller guilty of first degree murder? Does Rumplestiltskin deserve a pile of gold for breach of contract? An extraordinary mix of listening, speaking and writing activities prepares you to take on the roles of lawyer, witness, judge and juror. Develop skills in oral argument, moral reasoning, and conflict resolution as you become part of the final jury deliberation for each case.

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Foundations of Apologetics with Annie Rogers

WHEN: Tuesday Evenings (starting Apr 21), 4:00-5:00pm CT

Over the five weeks, we will discuss the different approaches to Apologetics, and then go over four topics that serve as the bedrock for apol: the Trinity, the person and nature of Jesus Christ, Sin, and Biblical
criticism. These seminars will go over a variety of approaches to
understanding these topics using historical and systematic theology,
and, more importantly, will give students of all ages a clear and
simple starting point for research and preparation.

Annie is about to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, and received her competency certification in Biblical Hebrew last December. She is excited to share the treasures she has learned with her students!

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Foundations of Debate with Annie Rogers

WHEN: Monday Evenings (starting Apr 20), 5:00-6:00pm CT

Want to participate in debate, but not sure where to start? Annie
Rogers is offering a 5 week introductory course on the foundations of
debate. Over the course of five weeks, Annie will go over basic
argumentation structure, how to analyze and understand different types
of motions, and offer an overview of the three different types of
debate – Team Policy, Lincoln Douglas, and Parli. If you or your student feels intimidated by debate, this is the course for you!

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Writing like Churchill with Tink Heinsoln

WHEN: Thursdays (starting Apr 23), 5:00-6:30pm CT

Students will need to have access to information through online search tools. Parents will need to help them access quality information that students can use for the content of their research. Students will also need a one subject notebook/composition book. They will keep all of their notes, research, vocabulary, and writing in one place. Classes will be recorded for coaching purposes but not distributed to the public.

Winston Churchill was not an excellent student in his young school boy years. He preferred to play with toys and only do those enjoyable activities he found pleasant…reasonable for a 7 year old being sent to boarding school. Despite his disposition against education he became a well spoken statesman, leading the people to live with courage as war ravaged the world.

This class is meant to embolden students to explore the idea that they are leaders in training and to practice the art of rhetoric by studying orations by Churchill. The learning culminates with a written and performed 7-10 minute speech after 5 weeks. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

We look forward to seeing you this Spring Quarter! Sign Up HERE

In Stillness

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

            I’m not good at stillness.  I’m a busybody.  I’ve always been that way.  And though I’ve certainly had periods of stillness in my life, they’ve nearly always been forced upon me:  a broken foot that stopped my summer, a snowstorm, hurricane, or power outage, a child in the ICU, orders to the middle of the desert for a son’s senior year…always an emergency or an interruption of some sort.  And here I am again….

Continue reading “In Stillness” →

Your Speech and Debate Season Does Not Have To Be Over

Posted on by Heather Neumann

With the Speech and Debate seasons canceled, it is understandable that there are a variety of feelings. There are also a variety of people who are dealing with the ramifications of season ending.

Those Who Have Moved On… There are going to be some students that are now looking toward their future. There are a lot of seniors that fall into this category. They no longer need to research, make briefs, edit speeches, etc. This is not the way they envisioned the end of their end of their speech and debate careers. I have seen much disappointment, but I have also seen poise, grace, and determination for what the Lord has in store for them next. For those who have moved on, remember, just because this season has ended, your journey is just beginning! High School Speech and Debate is one drop in your bucket.

Those Who Still Want to Compete… For many competitors, they are longing for more. The thought of throwing in the towel or moving on, when it is only April does not seem acceptable. Lasting Impact! is excited to offer ideas of ways to continue to grow your skills!

What’s Next? Just because the leagues aren’t offering tournament opportunities, doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to grow your skills and continue to enhance your skills. Lasting Impact! has been connecting students, parents, coaches, and clubs for almost four years. Whether you look to us, to make us a part of your journey or find places to grow your skills- the point is to continue to grow!

Online Tournaments – These opportunities are popping up! Lasting Impact! is excited to announce we are developing our own!! I know one of the primary reasons for tournaments is to be together, the sense of community. Lasting Impact! Tournaments will be no different! I told myself if this can’t look like a tournament, I am not interested. Therefore, that is what we aim to create! We will be running a small prototype Debate Tournament in April with others to follow. This will not just stop at Debate Tournaments, this will make way for Speech Tournaments, as well. Perhaps, one day Apologetics Tournaments for students all over the country? We are excited for what the Lord is doing. This will not only answer the call for this season, but for our online camps, practice tournaments, as well as next season. These online tournaments will offer new experiences. It’s an exciting time! More info. coming soon!

Online Classes – Through the years we have provided many online classes. We will be rolling out a Spring, Summer, and Fall schedule.

Online Workshops – Coming in April, all our Workshops will be FREE! Schedule coming out soon! Workshops such as…
– Intro to Foreign Policy
– Building Your Club
– Is LD or TP Right for Me?
– Using Humor

Online Clubs – Our second semester clubs are almost over. It has been a fabulous year! Over 100 students were a part of Lasting Impact! Clubs. Some students joined because they wanted a community to grow with, their area didn’t have a Speech or Debate Club. Some students used Lasting Impact! as a supplement. Whatever the case might be, you are welcome! Enrollment in Fall Clubs are just around the corner.

Online Camps – Dates are getting set. We are planning a full summer!! Please reach out to us if you are looking for your club to host camp, whether it be in person or online.

Share Your Speeches – Just because you don’t have a tournament to compete in, doesn’t mean you can’t share your speech! Find ways to bless others! Lasting Impact! is always looking for more speeches to put in their video gallery! Contact us, if you have a speech you want to share!

Lasting Impact! is a resource that comes alongside students, coaches, parents, and clubs to provide valuable insight into the world of Speech and Debate. Become part of the online community which includes articles, coaching, classes, clubs, camps, workshops and so much more! Whether in person or online, we aim to help families navigate the world of speech and debate by providing opportunities to explore. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to make sure you are getting all the latest email updates.

Dear Speech and Debaters by: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

To the student whose season just ended,
I’m so sorry. When I saw the email announcements a few days ago, my heart broke for my younger siblings, the students I have coached, and the hundreds of families who build their spring semester around tournaments. As you grieve this difficult but necessary announcement and perhaps work through anxiety about many other uncertainties, I would like to encourage you with a few truths…

Continue reading “Dear Speech and Debaters by: Kaitlyn Butts” →

Calling All Speech and Debate Seniors!! (Free Devo Included)

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Last week both Stoa and NCFCA announced they are canceling their speech and debate seasons. I ache for all of the competitors who abruptly saw their season come to an end, especially the seniors. We know that these decisions were not taken lightly, and much prayer was put into this. The bottom line is there are no guarantees. We have always known this, but we don’t tend to believe it unless it’s staring us in the face. I know for some students, they feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them. However, you are not yet finished…

Continue reading “Calling All Speech and Debate Seniors!! (Free Devo Included)” →

Unpredictable Impact! By: Ellen Neumann

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Below is one of our devotionals from the Lasting Impact! Devotional Book…

Everything you say and do has an unpredictable impact! Speech and Debate is no different!

All too often I see students who are practicing and honing their public speaking skills for the competition, winning trophies, or recognition. I know it can be easy to lose focus on why the art of communication matters.

BUT WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR COMMUNICATION COULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON GENERATIONS TO COME?

Continue reading “Unpredictable Impact! By: Ellen Neumann” →

What Now?? Hope for Speech and Debaters

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As we walk in this life, uncertainty abounds. Each direction we look is full of hope and fear, often side by side. It is at times like this that I remind myself of the God we serve. We are not subject to the fears of our fellow men and women. We have a God who is close and who cares; Who’s mercies endure forever!

So as we experience the cancelations of tournaments for which we have excitedly prepared, as we ponder the work and the pieces of ourselves that we have put into our speeches in hopes of bringing joy, laughter, ideas, and deep thoughts to others, let us not consider this work to have been in vain.

First, we have gained individually from the effort we have put into these speeches. We have worked with others and have grown as a result of the research, the learning, the sharing with others, etc. We have built relationships which, in the end, are to be more cherished than the speeches themselves.

Second, we do not know what the future holds. We may very well be able to complete in Regionals or Nationals this year. For many this speech season is not over. I still think this is an opportunity to try an online tournament! And so, do not let your guard down. Do not give up the fight just yet.

Third, we can be an encouragement and a witness to those around us. With each fear, the opportunity to demonstrate the Love of Christ abounds! For the perfect Love of Christs cast out fear. We don’t walk by sight, we walk by the Spirit. We keep our mind stayed upon Him, from which we know peace. Let us share that peace with those around us, whether believers or not. Our lights can be seen the best when the darkness deepens around us.

Fourth, we are community! We do not have to be face to face to be in each other’s presence! Lasting Impact! has always been about connecting! We will continue to connect! We are thinking of ways to embrace change… include more people, learn, and grow!

So whether your season has come to an early end, or whether you have competition remaining this year, be of good cheer, it has not been a waste, growth has happened already, we did what we did for the Lord – not for ourselves – and so we cannot loose. Pray for those around you. Pray for their faith, their peace, their healing, and that they come to know the Loving Father that we serve. But also pray for this country and her leaders. Pray that we repent for the way we run from God. Pray your own repentance to God.

And remember – we can always start preparing for next season … for this is not the end – there will be a next season! You Got This!

How to Make an Effective Speech by: Victoria Richardson

Posted on by Heather Neumann

When I was in high school, there was one activity I craved to do more than any other. Compete in speech and debate. It gave me an indescribable feeling that burst inside of me when 300 speech competitors clapped when my name was called. The feeling was a combination of humility, pride, and relief. The clap of 300 competitors was a signal that meant the gutwrenching, nerve-racking speeches I gave five times a day paid off and would walk across the stage to receive a reward or better, advance my speech to the national championship.

They say a huge fear in the human population is not dying, it’s public speaking. Yet it is one of the most necessary and valuable skills in life today. Public communication is used in practically every facet of life in almost every profession. Whether you need to communicate with customers, bosses, or employees, the skills of public speaking are used. The desire to speak competitively in front of judges is not a normal feeling to crave, but I and hundreds… thousands of other competitors did because we knew it would benefit us long after the feeling of winning a competition fleeted away.

Continue reading “How to Make an Effective Speech by: Victoria Richardson” →

Don’t Give a Debate Without These Four Elements by: Catherine Alles

Posted on by Heather Neumann

During my sophomore year, I was asked as apart of the advanced debate class to spend a round helping a novice team through their first round. Before the debate, I sent them this worksheet I had made, emphasizing that these four main sections were essential for each and every speech they give. Here is what it looked like:

Continue reading “Don’t Give a Debate Without These Four Elements by: Catherine Alles” →

Help! I don’t know how to judge an Interp speech!

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

I am actually privy to this sentiment fairly often.  Parents mostly know what they like best when they watch interps.  They might even know why they liked it best over some other interp. But they want to know how to say that articulately to the students on the ballot.  The point of this post is NOT to tell you what should rank higher than something else but to help you identify the bits and pieces that are part of any interp…bits and pieces that you can talk about from your own perspective on your ballots, giving students bits and pieces they can actually work on after the tournament. I was recently in a club meeting where the leader asked the students to share the most helpful comment they had received on a ballot.  The students struggled to find one.  I want students to have LOTS of helpful, useable things.  Things they can take to club and say, “can someone show me how to ___________?” Or “can someone help me change ___________?”  I want things filling in those blanks for our kids!

So here goes….How DO you look at an interp speech?

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Tournaments Are About You by Ethan Tong

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Tournaments are about you.

That’s the plain and simple truth. Tournaments aren’t for your parents. Tournaments aren’t for your siblings. They’re for you. Parents may enjoy socializing, yes. But how many parents do you know who still come to tournaments once their children are graduated? Hardly any. Once you’re not in the league, Speech and Debate doesn’t mean much to your parents. Why? Because tournaments are for you.

Continue reading “Tournaments Are About You by Ethan Tong” →

The Biggest Mistakes I See Students Make in Interp Speeches

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

I’ve been at this a LONG time – teaching students how to manage the interpretive speech.  It is definitely a purist endeavor that relies on the student alone to create the entire context suggested by a reduced segment of a piece of literature.  There is nothing easy about it.  When it’s done well, it really works.  As students strive to reach that mark, I find that they make the same basic mistakes along the way, and these fall into two basic categories: technical mistakes and ownership mistakes.  Let me explain….

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