Almost everyone I have talked to supports and likes the upcoming NCFCA Team Policy resolution, which addresses reforming Congress. It is because of this overwhelming affirmation, however, I began to realize there may be a slight problem: judge bias. This became exceptionally clear when I started writing a case that tackled term limits. While writing this case, I found a statistic stating that 83 percent of the population supports term limits! This made me realize the vast majority of judges are going enter the round with bias in favor of the Affirmative team. Think about it for a moment… How many people have you spoken with do not think Congress needs to be reformed—in at least one way or another? My guess is most everyone will agree Congress is in need of change. So, what can we do about it? In this article, we are going to examine two primary forms of judge bias and the strategies that play into these biases, we are going to talk about how to counter these biases, and finally, I am going to invite you to join Ethan Tong and I July 31-August 1 for the Lasting Impact Online Team Policy Debate Camp, where we will tackle this issue and so many more! If you haven’t signed up, please plan on doing so through the Lasting Impact website here… or keep reading Roman’s opinion below….
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Online LD Camp UPDATE – FREE Fall Apol. Club
Our virtual LD Camp starts TOMORROW! It’s going from a two day camp to one! This means less time online for you… but still all of the AMAZING content! Sessions will include…
Argumentation
Value theory
Writing a compelling case
Research in LD
Elements of effective speaking
Flowing
Going Neg
…and more!
Plus, we have added an even BIGGER BONUS!! If you sign up, you will automatically be invited to our Fall Online Apologetics Club FOR FREE! That’s right, no need to register… you will be welcome to join our Lasting Impact! Apol Club. We are so excited to offer this! Tell your friends! Remember, all camps and clubs/classes are recorded. Sign up for Online LD Camp (and Apol) HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp23889/
Also, if LD isn’t your thing… we will make the same offer for TP! Register HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23888/
Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?
As a coach, I’ve seen countless students walk into a Speech and Debate Camp a little nervous, unsure of what to expect. But by the end of the camp, they’ve transformed—equipped with new skills, fresh strategies, and the confidence to tackle their next competition head-on. If you’re a student considering whether to attend a Speech and Debate Camp – online or in-person or a parent wondering if it’s worth the investment, the answer is a resounding YES! I have countless of reasons why… but here’s just two reasons why: (and remember- we have TWO awesome online debate camps coming up… check them out HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )
Continue reading “Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?”Why this Year’s NCFCA LD Space Resolution is Out of this World by: Hillary and Nathanael Kolssak
An LD resolution that is “out of this world?” That is a strong statement to make! We love it so much we created an amazing resource for all you LDers (read the whole article to get the scoop)! But here is why we love this year’s 2025-2026 NCFCA Lincoln-Douglas Value resolution (and why it just might be our favorite resolution yet)…
“In the exploration and utilization of outer space, international cooperation should be prioritized”
Continue reading “Why this Year’s NCFCA LD Space Resolution is Out of this World by: Hillary and Nathanael Kolssak”Sign Up for Speech and Debate (TP, LD, Moot) Online Camps NOW!
Lasting Impact! takes Speech AND Debate pretty seriously! And if you are a novice or veteran debater or coach or parent or anywhere in between you are going to want to see what we have in store for the 2025 speech and debate season! The first opportunity is coming up quick! Online Speech and Debate Camps are less than 2 Weeks Away!! If you’re looking for a comprehensive, run through of whether it be speech or debate – these camps are for you!
LD and TP Camps will be coached by Ethan Tong (NCFCA ‘19) and Roman Hogancamp. They are pairing up to teach this two day camp. They’ll teach the basics of the argumentation style and theory, as well as effective ways to consistently win rounds. The camp will run from 9am until 3:30pm through Zoom, and will feature engaging presentations and plenty of student interaction!
If you want a jumpstart on this year’s resolutions, this is the camp for you! Whether you’re an experienced competitor or have never done Debate at all before, you’ll find everything you need here! They’ll teach a novice and an advanced track. And will also be plenty of discussion about the Resolution! This camp is not your average “basics camp.” We’re determined to put you on track to succeed immediately this year, whether you’re new or you’ve competed for multiple years.
The camp will run from 9am until 3:30pm, and will feature engaging
presentations and plenty of student interaction! Remember, camps are recorded!
Sessions will include…
Argumentation
Value or Policy theory
Writing a compelling case
Research in LD or TP
Elements of effective speaking
Flowing
Going Neg
…and more!
Here is what people have said about our camps…
”This was the way to go! I’m so glad I started out my season with an online camp by Lasting Impact! Lots of nuts and bolts I will use throughout my season.” Aaron, competitor
”Even though I have competed for numerous years, Ethan breaks down the res like no other. This camp is well worth my time.” Zach, competitor
“This was a highlight of my son’s summer. Thank you for putting these camps on.” Becky, parent
”As a coach, I am so thankful for Lasting Impact! I love seeing what they offer. I have often gone to camps myself, to learn from top notch instructors, and glean from the best, so I am a better coach for the upcoming season!” Steffi, coach/parent
Here is the list of our Online Camps…
- Online Jump Start Speech Camp – July 23
- Online TP Camp – July 31-Aug 1
- Online Moot – TWO CAMPS
- Online LD – July 24-25
Sign Up Today!
Summer Prep with Lasting Impact!
Are you ready to begin your 2025-2026 speech and debate season? We are too! In fact, we have one camp under our belt and resources busting at the seams! Here is just a short run down of how you can use Lasting Impact! as the number one resource in Speech and Debate this summer and beyond!
- Coaching – Have you seen our line up of qualified coaches? Do you want to get a jump start on your season? Schedule a Mental Prep Session. Coaching isn’t just for students either! Did you know we help create syllabus’ for clubs, meet with parents, and coach specific tracks for clubs? Check out COACHING here.
- Camps – Like I said we are one camp down, and about a dozen more to go! Lasting Impact! Coaches are traveling nation-wide again to help inspire students (and parents) on the power of communication! Talk to Heather (heather@lastingimpact.info) on more information on hiring a Lasting Impact! Coach. We even offer Online Camps this summer (and they will be recorded)! Moot, TP, LD, and Jump Start Speech… what more could you ask for!?
- Speech and Debate Materials – We have AMAZING products! If you haven’t been to the SHOP in a while… go there NOW!
- Sourcebooks – Our Debate Guidebooks and Sourcebooks are the BEST! We spend hundreds of hours putting together a product you will want to dig into! And did you know, we created a Summer Prep TP Source just for our NCFCA friends! Great for easy early research or camp!
- Don’t forget to sign up for Fall 2025 Clubs/Classes! More will be added this summer… but be sure to check out some of our standards- Online LD, Speech 101, Speech 102, Interpretation Club, Online Apol, Extemporaneous Roundtable and more!
Lasting Impact! is gearing up for the best summer and season ever! We hope you join us!
Reformation of Thought: A History of Philosophy (Class Offering) by: Charis Baker
Western Civilization is in the midst of a crisis. You are living in the midst of one of the great ideological battles in history. Whether you want to be a better debater, increase your ability to defend your faith, or become a more well-rounded individual, you must know and be able to articulate the truth.
How can you stand firm in truth if you don’t know where the battle lines of ideas are drawn?
This fall, Lasting Impact! is partnering with Speaking with Grace and Charis Baker. She is offering an 8-week live class for high schoolers who want to achieve these exact goals. We’ll read, write on, and discuss Dr. Glenn Martin’s comprehensive overview of the thoughts that have shaped Western philosophy: Prevailing Worldviews of Western Society Since 1500. Join Charis Baker to better identify and defend your beliefs and understand the history of philosophy. Continue reading for a glimpse into the questions and ideas we’ll be examining….
Continue reading “Reformation of Thought: A History of Philosophy (Class Offering) by: Charis Baker”NCFCA Team Policy Summer Source is Available NOW!
Lasting Impact! is pleased to announce the early release of two cases for the 2025 debate summer camp season. In the past, we have released a source book near the beginning of August. This year will be no exception, but in addition to this traditional release, we also want to help support your summer research and camps by releasing two high-quality cases early. We will be selling one case for $20 or both early releases for $30 per team. The cases include a 1AC, an AFF backup, and a NEG brief. The two cases are: “Pass the TRUST Act,” which deals with insider trading, and “Pass Congressional Term Limits,” which advocates for term limits on U.S. Representatives and Senators. We have close to 100 pages of research already done for you!!
This summer release is sure to benefit both students and leaders…
• Students: Get a head start diving into the resolution now! This is a fantastic starting point! This source has almost 100 pages ready for you to dive in! Students who are eager to begin researching the topic are going to love these cases, as they explore two topics likely to get a lot of traction this coming season. Students can begin with the case provided, brainstorm arguments, and begin researching additional AFF and NEG support. And just in case you are already going through withdrawal, grab a group of friends over the summer and get in a couple of practice rounds before the fall semester begins. These cases are sure to provide a good starting place for the cases you will run into next season.
• Clubs: Clubs that are looking to understand the resolution better will appreciate the opportunity to dive into two topics sure to offer research opportunities and logical discussions. These cases will also allow for clubs to host summer tournaments or rounds with good, balanced cases that students will be able to debate on both sides. These are shareable… look at payment structure below.
• Camps: These cases are great examples to pair with your camp curriculum as they provide a hands-on example of the stock issues and real-life examples of topics likely to be explored in the coming season. This release is designed to pair well with NCFCA or other curriculum, providing real-life examples to which the students can apply debate theory. These cases are a strong start and could be debated in camp as is. They are not bulletproof, though, which also offers students the opportunity to learn how to research and refine cases to their own preferences, allowing them to be creative and learn the skills of debate!
Payment Structure:
- 1-4 Teams: $20 / $30 for both
- 5-10 Teams: $15 / $20 for both
- 11+ Teams: $10 / $15 for both
Got to the SHOP to purchase NOW! Or here is the link – https://lastingimpact.info/product/book23943/
TP Source – Early Release Announcement, Camps, and More!
Hello, NCFCA Debaters, Coaches, and Clubs!
Lasting Impact! is eager to announce the release of TWO cases for the 2025 debate summer camp season. We are excited for the upcoming NCFCA season, which will focus on Congressional reforms, and our coaches have been hard at work researching and crafting the quality Lasting Impact! cases you have come to know and love (these may just be some of our best yet)!
In the past, we have released a source book near the beginning of August. This year will be no exception, but in addition to this traditional release, we also want to help support your summer research and camps by releasing two high-quality cases early. We will be selling one case for $20 or both early releases for $30 per team. The cases include a 1AC, an AFF backup, and a NEG brief. The two cases are: “Pass the TRUST Act,” which deals with insider trading, and “Pass Congressional Term Limits,” which advocates for term limits on U.S. Representatives and Senators. We will be using these sample cases in our own Summer Debate Camps!!
Speaking of… Looking to dive into a Summer Speech or Debate Camp? Sign up NOW with some of the best speech and debate coaching and materials! Our Online Camps will be recorded! If you are still looking to host a camp… check with Heather to see if a coach can come to you Heather@lastingimpact.info, OR we would encourage you to stop by the Lasting Impact booth at the NCFCA National Championship in Minnesota! We will be on campus and look forward to meeting you! If you would like to see a preview of the NCFCA TP Camp Cases, or our other amazing products or materials – come to our booth (and meet our llama)!! We will have copies of the cases and books available for preview. And don’t forget the SALE going on now… (see previous post for details). As always, we love coming alongside your speech and debate journey!
FREE PRINTING OFFER!
Heading to the NCFCA National Championship? Want to purchase and pick up printed materials and have them waiting for you? From now – May 24 until June 1, 2025, purchase one of our SPEECH Ebooks, and have them printed for FREE! Items must be picked up at Nats! Items will not be shipped! Did you know Lasting Impact! has numerous Speech Resources! The free printing offer includes…
- Speech Games and Ice Breakers
- The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech
- Grab and Go Speech Lesson Plans
- Seek Him First (Speech and Debate Devotional)
- Vol. 1 and 2 – Tips, Advice, and Encouragement for your Speech Journey
- Guide to Limited Prep
To receive your FREE printing, simply purchase the books and write PRINT in the comments. This free printing offer does not include Debate Books, Sourcebooks, Activity Cards, or Public Speaking For Kids. Head to the SHOP now, and don’t miss this incredible offer! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/books/
FREE Webinar – Judging Moot at Nats
Are you heading to the NCFCA National Championship to judge Moot Court? When you judge Moot, you might also feel like you’ve won a slot to Nats! Asking the right questions might make you feel like you are put in the hot seat! Ethan Tong is putting together another Moot Judging Webinar so that you can be fully prepped to judge and ask good questions at Nationals. Judging at Nationals can be scary because it’s in person, but it can also be more fun! No more worrying about feedback, no more worrying whether the competitor can hear you or is intentionally ignoring you… you can see if he or she is reading from a script or if they have memorized their material, etc. Everything is better in person!
If you’re interested in learning more about how to judge well, understand the case materials better, and have your questions answered, register for the FREE webinar hosted Monday night, May 26th, at 7pm. If you aren’t able to make it, it will be recorded, but you still need to register.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck8V_6SGjoUCe1Y80WI-KpP7gXXNHIQulTUraIcCAch5SQqA/viewform?usp=header
And invite your friends to the webinar—it’s completely free! We just want to equip judges so everyone feels good about their rounds.
What Can You Expect From Nationals?
You made it! Now what?! This post is not about the competition, because as you heard it before… Speech and Debate is not always about the competition! Here are a few things to be prepared for before you head to Nats…
- Walking! Most National Championships are on college campuses. That means walking. Guys, make sure your shoes are broken in a and comfortable. Ladies, bring an extra set if walking shoes. Put your high heels in a back pack.
- Down Time. Congratulations you made in in one speech! Now what!? If you have been participating in multiple speeches and debate all season, this will be a new adventure! How will you fill the time? I know students who worship, play spike ball, frisbee, hang with friends, but don’t forget to support your competing comrades or watch speeches/debate to gain insight for future years!
- Hydrate, don’t die-drate. This goes without saying… with all that walking (and potentially hot weather), make sure you are drinking plenty of water!
- Relationships. Turn off your phone! Be in the present! You might meet someone standing outside your room or walking to the next place. Find someone who is alone. Invest in the relationship waiting to happen! Make a goal to meet someone new each day.
- Vendors/Sponsors. This might seem like a shameless plug for Lasting Impact! But really, these people – vendors, sponsors, colleges… these are your people. They may know things you don’t. Check them out, they could be an organization that could be the key to your success!
- Go to worship/devos. Start the day right! This could be why you are there. There could be a message you need to hear.
- Learn and grow! Yes, you learn a ton from doing this activity. But, as always I guarantee, He always has more for you… if you are seeking Him in all you do! Expect the unexpected.
Congrats for making it to your National Championship! Now what?
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