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It’s Here! Lasting Impact! Devotional ~ Seek Him First

Speech and Debate is an amazing activity, there is no doubt about that! Learning how to communicate better, the research, the prep, navigating through nerves and relationships, pushing yourself to become stronger, better… and for what!? Life!?! Yes! But would you believe this experience, through Speech and Debate, could be a whole lot sweeter, richer, fuller?? How? By Seeking Him First!

The Lasting Impact! Team has been putting countless hours into this project – “Seek Him First – Devotions for Speech and Debate.” We are excited to share deeper thoughts of growth and encouragement. The experiences range from competitors, parents, club leaders, students, as well as National Champions. Lasting Impact! Founder, Heather Neumann states, “This is about the bigger picture! If we are only participating in Speech and Debate for the competition, then shame on us! Seek Him First is about looking for God in everything we do – including Speech and Debate!”

Each devotion has an Application Page – three questions which students can ponder, offering endless possibilities to apply the devotion to their life. And although there are many Speech and Debate examples, students will be able to apply the Word of God to all of their lives. There are also additional pages for notes that can be used for journaling, note-taking, memory work, or additional scripture references.

Lasting Impact! created this resource to remind students about the bigger purpose behind Speech and Debate. Clubs and families can use it to show how God is in everything we do, including Speech and Debate.

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Interp Tip – Read Something NEW! by: Colin Rust

I met Colin quite a few years ago, ironically on the set of one of my favorite classic literary pieces, A Christmas Carol. Like all good cast mates we keep in touch over social media. I knew Colin was the guy I needed to go to when I needed help inspiring my Lasting Impact! Community to READ! I saw so many speeches last year that have been done before. Sure, it may be classic literature, but it left nothing for my imagination. I know those stories. Colin is constantly reading! People take note… if you want to have a fresh, new, inspiring Interpretive Speech – take Colin’s advice… Read Something New…

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Interp Rules to Consider

How many of you play by the rules? Every year, at this time, our team reads through the Speech and Debate Rules… again. We read through League Handbooks, the General Rules, the Guidelines, and whatever else pertains to making sure we fully UNDERSTAND the rules! Today we will break down some of the Interp Rules that pop out at us. I always say, “speech is real, organic, and constantly evolving.” Trends come and go. It's good that leagues look at the rules and adapt or alter them to fit the needs or desires of what they want their competitors to learn. So whether it's a new event, or perhaps a rule was just modified, our desire is to assist you on how to use the rules in unique and interesting ways, using them to the fullest - yet not crossing a line (or even getting close to it)! Staying above reproach. These rules are meant to be followed and understood. Please note, these are OUR understanding of the rules. You should always go to your league and ask for clarification, if needed.

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It’s almost ready… The Lasting Impact! Devotional

Every year before I head out on a summer whirlwind of camps and workshops, I dig into The Word to see what God is going to give me to say to these students, parents, club leaders, and coaches. Sure, I know how to pick an Interp or how to make learning about Platform or Limited Prep Speeches fun. But what is it that God really wants to say through me? That’s what really matters!! I’ll admit it, after a long competition season, I feel like I am going to the well parched and ready. In Speech and Debate, we spend so much time focusing our lives around the competition, club meetings, Debate briefs, research, practicing, tournaments, etc. I feel like the summer is for rejuvenation. Psalm 81:10, “For it was I, the Lord your God who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.” How better to get rejuvenated… through Him!! Yet, why did I wait until summer!?

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Incorporating Humor in Speech and Debate

What is humor?

Humor happens in that luminous moment when two things don’t seem to be related at all, but then they come together in a way so unexpected that we laugh…or at least feel the delight of it.  It’s an insight that bubbles out: we feel joy when we see the connection or “get it.” That joy often comes out as laughter – delight escaping after the mental activity of making the connection.  

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Interp Lessons I Learned From Last Year – Finding a Piece

Every year, we get asked to help teams find an awesome Duo piece, where can they get their hands on the ultimate Open, or the perfect Humorous Interpretation… Every year my answer sounds somewhat similar, however this year I want to share what I have learned from last year. It's especially important to look at the take aways from the previous year. These are my words of advice when you are starting to look for an Interpretive Speech for this new season... What choice of literature will you choose?

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Debate – Moot Court Breakdown by: Eric Meinerding

New challenges ought to be seized with vigor. Moot Court’s rise over the past four years in homeschool forensics has cemented it as an opportunity not to passed up. If you would like to learn more about this activity, want to learn some new and advanced strategies to prepare for the season, or are interested in the legal world at all, Lasting Impact!’s, Eric Meinerding will be offering two opportunities to explore Moot – Online Moot Court Club and an Online Workshop this Wednesday covering the ins and outs of Moot Court …

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Last Call… Online Classes/Clubs Start This Week and Next

Ah yes! The start of a new Speech and Debate Season is upon us. The coaches at Lasting Impact! have been gearing up for this, we have been praying, and we cordially invite you along for the ride! Whether you have participated in Speech and Debate before or brand new, these classes/clubs are here to provide you with the tools for your tool box that you might need…

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Ready, Set, Go! Making and Reaching Your Goals This Season by: Kaitlyn Butts

Goal Handouts from Coaching Helps

During the Lasting Impact! Summer Online Intensive, we talked about how to make the most of your year in Speech and Debate. In that session, we broke down the season into stages and talked about what makes each section of the year so unique. We also talked about the importance of making goals and managing those goals well throughout the year. This isn’t something that happens on its own, it requires you to take initiative and then act with consistency and diligence. As we transition into the academic year, it is time to decide how you will incorporate speech and debate preparation, and I’m here with a few suggestions to help you manage your time well and proceed steadily onward...

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Thank You for an AWESOME Summer!

This is my first full week at home in a long time! Lasting Impact! covered a lot of ground this summer! We reached well over 500 students and parents, traveled from coast to coast, went from way down south to the frozen tundra. And all in all – God was there… where ever we went! These were some of our take aways…

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Wednesday Workshops THIS Week – Humor, TP, and LD

​This week we have a full line up waiting for you! Why workshops? I am always telling students in order to walk down a path the more you explore and understand what you are getting into the better! This is the same with Speech and Debate! You have the opportunity to get your feet wet before jumping in!! Each of the workshops provides a skilled coach prepared to equip you with the tools for your tool box. As always, workshops are only $5 for members. We use an online tool called Zoom to connect our students from across the country. Some workshops will turn into Recorded Workshops, but unless you purchase the workshop, there is no guarantee! Sign up NOW

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