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Interpretative Speech- Bringing Literature to Life – What/Why? (Part 1)

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

How would you define ‘interpretation?’  Would you say, “Putting your own spin on something” or maybe “Giving your own perspective?”  That would be correct.  Perhaps you would go further and suggest that an ‘interpretation’ seeks to explain the meaning of something, and that would also be correct.  Google Dictionary gives synonyms like: elucidation, exposition, and clarification.  Our competitive speech leagues usually define ‘interpretation’ along the lines of “bringing literature to life” for the purposes of their event structure, and that encompasses all of those approaches above!

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Announcing… Online Apologetics Workshop- Dec. 15

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! is excited to announce… a detailed, online, tournament preparation workshop for all beginning to advanced Apologetics students!

  • Engage with experienced speakers and pastors on some of the most challenging Apologetics questions!
  • Four hours of invaluable Apologetics card writing content!
  • Catch a practical vision for Apologetics competition with a panel of passionate, experienced Apologetics leaders.
  • Hear how to apply ballots, real life apol conversations, and tips for four minute card writing!
  • See how Apologetics can propel you into a more fervent focus on the preeminence of Jesus Christ.
  • Learn from our leaders’ and glean from their personal relationships with their Savior.

All online through Zoom – all you need is wifi, your laptop, and an open Bible! Just like in-person but from the comfort of your own home!

December 15th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Speech students of all ages are welcome! Perfect for students preparing for spring competition and for students considering future competition.

– Free for Tuesday night Online Apologetics students. You can still join our weekly Online Apol. Group. Click here for more info.

– Lasting Impact Members only $5.00 (log in for discount code)

– Non members $20.00 (per family)

– Or bring your whole club for $35.00. Contact- admin@lastingimpact.info

Scholarships available – Contact- admin@lastingimpact.info

Our goal is to encourage, empower, and equip as many students as possible to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and grow in relationship with Him. Come ready to embrace 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Sign up for the workshop NOW here!

The Power of an Introduction in Your Speech

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I used to look down or thought an introduction at the beginning of a Speech really didn't matter. Shame on me! For those of you unsure what an Intro/Introduction is- it is the part of your Interpretive Piece where you introduce or set up the Speech. Perhaps you think it is unimportant or just a bunch of redundant information. My analysis has changed... I now think it is very important. I actually think those that do an intro, and do it well, have an advantage. So let's analyze the power of an introduction of a Speech...

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Analyzing After Dinner Speech (part 2) By: David Bloom

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The scene opens with Don sad and forlorn while his friend Cosmo attempts to cheer him up. Soon enough Cosmo has broken into a song and dance number so spectacularly funny, you forgot why Don was even sad in the first place. This scene of course is from “Singing In the Rain”, one of my all-time favorite movies. The song’s name is “Make Them Laugh” and details how a comedic actors job is always to make the audience laugh, despite the storyline, despite the troubles and tribulations of the real world that the movie-goer is coming from. *I strongly encourage the reader to go and watch the scene linked in the footnote right now, before proceeding with this article as I believe it essential to understanding how to create a successful After Dinner Speech.

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Thoughts on After Dinner Speech (part 1) By: David Bloom

Posted on by Heather Neumann

It’s finally time. Months of prep work, practice and particularly late nights for Speech and Debate have all built to this singular moment of your life. To quote that stanchion of modern poetry, “He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready, To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgettin’, the words he wrote down.”

​Then suddenly, in a flash, it’s all over. The awards ceremony comes, the dubiously red roses are given to the administrators of the tournament, you clap once so many times you think your hands will fall off, you bask in the steaming hot light for 12 maybe 15 seconds, smile while your eyes are assaulted with the electromagnetic waves of ionized xenon gas, say your tearful goodbyes and then pour through ballots, praising the parents who called you “Enlightened” and dismissing the ones who presented any criticism at all. That’s it. Was it worth it? Was the time and money your parents paid, worth the mediocre feeling of self-satisfaction? No, it wasn’t. Because that feeling was not what they paid for, they paid for you to learn how to be brave, how to speak despite your fears and misgivings. They paid so you could understand that hard work does pay off. More than any of that though, I think they put forth all that effort, so you could understand who you are as a person. That, in my opinion, is the greatest strength of After Dinner Speaking. It provides a platform on which the speaker can build a personal brand and entertain others while doing so.

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Stereotypes v. Stock Characters in Interpretive Speech

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

Advanced interpretation is not equal to advanced interpers delivering their material in a speech and/or forensics competition.  Advanced interpretation is instead marked by subtlety and skill more than by experience.  Admittedly, experienced speakers tend to have more skill, but very often they apply that skill in such a way as to emphasize their own largess rather than to expose believable and relatable characters in believable and relatable conflicts.  One hallmark of those doing truly advanced work is their ability to differentiate between stereotypes and stock characters.

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Tips on Verbal and Written Communication

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The wonderful people at www.theaccentcoach.com happened to stumble upon Lasting Impact! They wanted to offer our readers some tips on verbal and written communication for Speech and Debate students. Below is an article specifically designed for our readers, with some added touches by Heather.

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Opinion- You Tube – (Plus Vlog)

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Heather and Kristi tend to agree on most things, especially concerning Speech and Debate. However there is one thing they can have a friendly debate over... watching YouTube videos. Read their responses and watch the Vlog as they explore the question, "How do you feel about students using/watching YouTube videos for their speeches?"

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After Dinner Tips by: Abby Wright

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Abby Wright was the 2015 NCFCA National Champion speaker in After Dinner Speaking. An After Dinner Speech is an original humorous platform speech that informs, inspires and/or attempts to persuade the audience on a noteworthy topic. After a two year hiatus, NCFCA has brought ADS back. What makes this category unique, how should one go about tackling it? We have a lot to say about this topic (and we have more articles to come)! Today, Abby explores her  thought process of tackling an ADS…

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Opinion- Short Scripts – Yes or No? (Plus Vlog)

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

 

There is now a whole market of short scripts, written for competitive speech and available easily online.  Lots of kids are going that route to find their competitive interp pieces.  Seasoned coaches, Kristi Eskelund and Heather Neumann give their thoughts and opinions on the script debate…

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Guest Blog- Tips for Writing your Speech By: Grace Rankin

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I came across Grace’s article on Facebook.  I knew I wanted to share her valuable insight with all of my readers, especially students who procrastinate writing their speeches. The time to write is NOW! Below is her article, titled 5 Tips for Academic Paper Success on her site- rightingyourownwriting.org

Although her specific points are addressing academic papers, I believe the concept can be applied to speeches, especially if you are at “crunch-time”. I know some of you are die hard IEW fans (I am too), but as writers we sometimes get stuck. I feel it is always helpful to look at a new approach! This article is posted with permission by her- thanks Grace!

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