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New 2017-2018 Speech Rules to Play By… (Bonus Vlog too!)

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

Last week, we analyzed some of the new speech categories offered in NCFCA and Stoa. Both leagues do an annual evaluation of their general and event rules for the purpose of making sure that the rules are clear and actually impact the work of students in the desired way.  Over the last year of competition, the leadership has been gathering up information about where misinterpretation or misdirection occurred, so the new language in rules for the new year is there to try to eliminate that confusion or error.   The following is NOT a comprehensive list.

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Our Take- New Speech Categories 2017-2018…..

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

Every year or two, speech leagues tend to roll out something new to keep things interesting for both students and parent judges.  This year is no exception. Today we are going to look at the two largest homeschool speech and debate leagues- Stoa and NCFCA. Heather and Kristi will take a look at these new speech events...

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Lasting Impact! Year in Review… Our first Vlog!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Wow! What a year! We started this journey just a little over a year ago. Recently, Kristi and I actually got to be together not at a Speech and Debate tournament! It was so much fun to be together! We decided to celebrate by producing a video for you. Thanks for coming along with us! We look forward to where God is going to take us next!

Speech and Debate- Coaching versus Mentoring

Posted on by Heather Neumann

BlakeSenseman

I get asked all the time, how did I start coaching, what is the process I use to coach, etc. Although I consider myself a "Speech Coach", I actually think I am more of a "Mentor". Lately I have been analyzing the difference between coaching and mentoring, and what approach I have, so that I can help you become a better coach (or mentor). Maybe what I do is more of a hybrid method...

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Guest Blog- Filler Words by: Kate Peters and Abbey Lovett

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Last week, we had an awesome three part series on Impromptu by Kaitlyn Butts, National Champion and Lasting Impact! Coach/Intern. We thought we would start off this week with an article by Kate Peters AND a pod cast by Abbey Lovett (see below) geared toward helping you communicate with out the “ticks and ums”, otherwise known as filler words…

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Impromptu – Practicing (part 3) By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

“Prepare to be Unprepared:” Practicing Impromptu Every Day

In the world of speech and debate- Interpretative speeches require hours of cutting, blocking, and intensive rehearsal. Platform speeches require brainstorming, editing, memorizing, and regular repetition to keep them stored solidly in your mind. Apologetics requires studying theology and searching for Scriptures. Extemporaneous, at least theoretically, requires surveying the weekly news highlights and becoming familiar with the political mindset of various sources. Impromptu offers the luxurious opportunity to compete in a speech event without doing a lick of work. Wrong. Participating in impromptu offers such an opportunity. The entire point of speech and debate, however, is not mere participation, but visible growth both in character and capability. Mastering impromptu and honing your ability to think on your feet requires rigorous practice. While you can never prepare for a specific impromptu round, you should be perpetually preparing to be unprepared. Practice impromptu every single day.

Continue reading “Impromptu – Practicing (part 3) By: Kaitlyn Butts” →

Impromptu – Storytelling (part 2) By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

“Once Upon a Time:” Storytelling, Impromptu, and Human Interaction

Once you’ve caught the vision and built a system, it’s time to develop a confident and persuasive impromptu style. It’s quite likely that if you’re just getting started with impromptu, you’re also new to the very idea of delivering speeches. The good news is that impromptu is the best way to improve your vocal and physical delivery. Storytelling is the powerful key in speech and debate that will simultaneously unlock your impromptu potential in four ways…

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Impromptu- Mind Mapping (part 1) By: Kaitlyn Butts

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Impromptu Intimidation ​

Impromptu strikes fear into the heart of almost every speech and debate competitor when they begin their speech journey. I remember being handed a slip of paper with the word “joy” on it one day in speech club when I was twelve years old. After two minutes of preparation time, I stood in front of my peers and mumbled about how joy was different than happiness for approximately thirty seconds. Sound familiar?

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Novices- Where to Start in Speech and Debate – part 2

Posted on by Heather Neumann

In the last article, we analyzed where novices could/should start in Speech and Debate, in general. That included debate, as well as the type of speeches - Platform, Interp, and Limited Prep. Today we are going to look at the specific categories of speeches offered in different leagues, because I often get asked the question, "what speech event should my novice/beginning student do?"

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Novices- Where to Start in Speech and Debate – part 1

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I am sure if you were to ask ten different Speech and Debate Coaches what type of Speech or Debate is good to do for a beginning student, you might get ten different answers. Of course each and every senerio is going to be unique and so here are some of my thoughts when encouraging new students to start Speech and Debate…

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Online Apologetics – Growing Together – by: Rachel Bechtel

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We hear all the time that one of the speech events that most alumni competitors wish they would have done whether they competed in it or not, is Apologetics! Matthew 18:20 says, ” When two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Learning and growing in Apologetics is so much bigger then a speech competititon. We are looking forward to another great year of seeking God’s Truth together!

Our goal in Online Apologetics is to…

– Discuss and dig into the life-transforming answers God’s Word provides.
– Expose you to a variety of Apologetics resources, introduce you to a variety of passionate Apologetics speakers, and encourage you with challenging discussion and weekly application.
– Equip you to powerfully, gently, and clearly defend the foundational doctrines of Christianity.
– Give you the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on your Apologetics speeches.

Continue reading “Online Apologetics – Growing Together – by: Rachel Bechtel” →