Extemporaneous Tips and Tricks by: Roman Hogancamp

Extemporaneous is so gratifying—and not just because of the competition. There are plenty of outlets that provide that opportunity. What I really love about Extemp is the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the world, discuss it with family and friends, and then share that information and analysis with others. That’s exactly what I hope to do with you today. If we haven’t met, my name is Roman Hogancamp, and I honored to be the 2024 NCFCA Extemporaneous National Champion. As such, I would like to provide three tips for competing in Extemporaneous—whether in STOA, NCFCA, or just around the dinner table. Continue reading or SIGN UP for EXTEMP CLUB that starts NEXT WEEK!

Continue reading “Extemporaneous Tips and Tricks by: Roman Hogancamp”

Speech and Debate… Where to begin? With Lasting Impact!

Ahh! The new speech and debate season is upon us! Are you feeling prepared? Perhaps a little overwhelmed!? Don’t worry… The Lasting Impact! Team is ready to come alongside students, parents, coaches, and clubs! Allow me to introduce ourselves…. Lasting Impact! has been around for a while now! We have literally coached thousands of students nationwide and internationally. We have had the opportunity to coach numerous (too many to count) National Champions. Throughout the year we travel the country from coast to coast teaching the art of communication through Speech and Debate. During the school year, you will often find our coaches on Zoom teaching classes and clubs, or coaching one on one. We offer a variety of products and services to help you navigate the world of speech and debate! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our BLOG to be sure you get the latest information, releases, sales, etc. Look what we have just for YOU… the SHOP is where you can find all the amazing offerings…

Clubs/Classes – Our fall 2024 club/classes are gearing up, ready to go! We are offering from everything to Apologetics to Debate to Speech 101 and 102, Extemporaneous to Interp! All clubs/classes are on Zoom and recorded. Our clubs are not only for students! Many coaches have sat in to learn and gain a better understanding of what our experienced coaches have to offer! We are still taking registrations- REGISTER NOW!

Speech and Debate Resources – Lasting Impact! has created a number of “must have” resources! Whether it’s The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech, The Limited Prep Guide, Speech Games, Speech Grab and Go, or our Debate Sourcebooks… our Resources will make your life a whole lot easier! All books are Ebooks, and just one click away! https://lastingimpact.info/shop/

Coaching – Wait until you see the line up of our 2024-25 Coaches! These are truly the best of the best! All of our coaches are actively involved in the speech and debate community. They are club leaders, debate coaches, preachers, tournament coordinators, judges, etc. Book a session with one today, and you won’t be disappointed! https://lastingimpact.info/coach-information/

Blog – Did you know that Lasting Impact! has over 500 articles about speech and debate!? We have a lot of say. We are here for YOU to help you dig deeper and understand the ins and outs of debate resolutions and speech categories. Be sure you SUBSCRIBE to the blog to read what our coaches think or are discovering! https://lastingimpact.info/tag/free/

Membership – Yes, Lasting Impact! is a membership site. But you don’t have to be a member to read the free blog. Members receive discounts on coaching and clubs, access to video gallery, free workshop recordings, etc. Membership is just $35 for the year! https://lastingimpact.info/register/annual-membership-subscription/

We welcome you to be a part of the Lasting Impact! Family! We look forward to coming alongside you in your speech and/or debate journey!

Last Call – Clubs/Classes SIGN UP NOW

It’s a new speech and debate season – and we have a lot to uncover! Our coaches have been from coast to coast and they are excited to jump into our online clubs and classes with YOU! This year, Lasting Impact! will offer 10 unique speech and debate clubs! Each are less than $150!
Check out all the options here – https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/
Don’t see something you want or need? We have been known to create one. Need a coach to teach a lesson or help your club? Just contact heather@lastingimpact.info

Join the Lasting Impact! Family NOW!

Unlock Your Potential This Summer at Our Speech and Debate Camps!

Are you ready to transform your speaking skills and win arguments not just in competitions but in life? This summer, dive into the exhilarating world of speech and debate through our specially designed camps!

Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the basics or an experienced debater aiming to refine your skills, we have something for everyone. Our camps are not just about learning; they’re about experiencing a journey of personal growth, critical thinking, and loads of fun!

Why Join Our Camps?

  • Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned instructors who are passionate about speech and debate and have years of competitive and coaching experience.
  • Dynamic Workshops: Participate in interactive workshops that cover everything from debate – crafting compelling arguments to the fine art of persuasion or speech – mastering the cut or characters in an Interp.
  • Peer Learning: Meet other enthusiastic speech and debaters from all walks of life and levels of experience. Exchange ideas, practice together, and forge friendships that last a lifetime.
  • Competitive Edge: Get equipped with strategies that set you apart in local, national, and even international competitions.
  • Fun Activities: It’s not all serious! Enjoy fun activities and games designed to boost your public speaking confidence in a relaxed environment.

Our camps are offered ONLINE, as well set in inspiring locations across the country, hosted by local clubs that trust us to help you be your guide. Locations include…

  • St. Petersburg, FL
  • Newfoundland, NJ
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Honolulu, HI
  • Milwaukee, WI
  • Portland, OR
  • Seattle, WA
  • Appleton, WI
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Omaha, NE
  • Lincoln, NE

Check out the full descriptions of CAMPS HERE! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/camps/

Are you ready to join us this summer? And you ready to step up your game? Spots are limited, and our camps are filling up fast. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative experience. Register now and start your journey to becoming a better equipped speech and debater!

Don’t see a location you can get to? Want to host your own camp? For more details and to register, visit our camp page – HERE or contact Heather at heather@lastingimpact.info

Embrace the challenge, enjoy the camaraderie, and leave with skills that will empower you for life. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Speech and Debate camps this summer!

Unlocking the Power of Interpretive Speeches

Is this your year to try an interpretive speech? It’s not too late to jump in! Not sure where to begin or want to get on a FAST TRACK? Join me and Mrs. D for Fast Track Interp. We will be your very own guides through the World of Interp. Sign up now! Or keep reading this article on WHY you need to add an interpretive speech to your high school speech and debate career!

You might be wondering, "Why on earth should we care about these speeches?" Well, you're in for a treat because interpretive speaking isn't just another high school requirement – it's a valuable skill that can benefit you in countless ways. So, let's break it down and discover why interpretive speeches are worth your time and effort.

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Second Semester Clubs Are About to Begin! SIGN UP NOW!

We are in full gear of the 2024 Tournament Season! Are you reading those ballots and feeling like you just need a little more push, edge, or inspiration!? Join a Lasting Impact! Club for all of the above, including GROWTH and fellowship! Second Semester Clubs are geared for the competition! Our coaches are actively involved in tournaments, judging, watching, understanding the elements of Speech and Debate, and what trends are trending. Are you looking for a little more this season? Sign up for one or more of the club below…

  • Speech 102 – Heather Neumann , along with public speaking pros, will be helping students take a deeper dive into their speeches. Students will practice and hone their speeches and receive feedback.
  • FAST TRACK – Interp – A six week course on quickly on creating a piece. There’s no reason not to jump into an interpretive speech this season! Why not start NOW!
  • LD Strategies – Ethan Tong will lead students deeper through the NCFCA resolution. This will be the place to be for extra practice, analysis, and growth!
  • Limited Prep Club – This eight week course with Honor Hoffmann will help you navigate the limited prep events – Apologetics, Extemporaneous, and Impromptu Speaking. These three events take practice! And typically more than just at a tournament! Come gain insight into these valuable events!

All clubs will be recorded, if you can’t make it. But as always, you will get the most out of being present! Tell your friends! Head to the SHOP and sign up NOW! Looking for more individual growth? Sign up for a one on one Coaching Session or a Script Assessment HERE. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Do a New Thing – Do Apologetics! by: Karen Harper

My dear friend, Karen (affectionately known to me as Sally) was an Apologetics Coach for her Speech Club, Truth Advocates, for a number of years. The Lord called her home unexpectedly on Oct. 18, 2023. She was a tremendous blessing to her family and community outside Louisville, KY. She wrote this article for me back in 2019. I feel pressed to share it again. There is so much truth here! I wanted you to catch her heart and vision of why and how you can DO APOLOGETICS! In memory of Karen, aka my Sally…

Continue reading “Do a New Thing – Do Apologetics! by: Karen Harper”

Grow Your Limited Prep Skills

How many of you actually practice your limited preparation speeches? Many people think they don’t have to, because it’s supposed to be “off the cuff.” Right!? But, did you know, if you really want to grow as a speaker and communicator, the number one way is to practice through limited prep speaking!?! And Lasting Impact! has a variety of ways for you to practice those skills…

  1. Join a Club! Whether it’s online or in person, clubs (hopefully) provide lots of practice, whether it’s through speech or debate. Lasting Impact! has specific clubs for Limited Prep, and specifically for Apologetics or Extemporaneous. All of our clubs have an emphasis on practice! We are here to help guide you and help you grow! There is still time to sign up for our Limited Prep Clubs for fall 2023. 
    – Limited Prep Club – starts TONIGHT!
    – Apologetics Club – starts Friday!
    – Extemporaneous Roundtable – starts Sept. 26
  2. The Limited Prep Guide. Want to explore all the different types of limited prep speech categories on your own? Or do you want to lead or teach limited prep speaking skills? Lasting Impact! has created their very own guide to help walk you through the ins and outs of this huge category! And we proved a plethora of activities, as well as a resource packet to keep you busy and practicing all season long!

Listen what author, Honor Persing has to say about the guide. Here is part of her introduction to the book…

“Welcome to the world of limited prep speaking! I’m so glad you’re here. Limited Preparation can be a very daunting category of speech–you only get a few minutes to sort out your thoughts and develop a well-reasoned speech on an important topic. While it’s a challenge, limited prep can also be the most rewarding type of speech. It stretches your mind unlike any other category, forcing you to think quickly, analyze effectively, and come up with thought-provoking stories and examples on the spot.

Limited prep is also a category that uniquely prepares you for life. While education, persuasion, and acting are valuable skills that you learn in the other categories, no other type of speech applies to as wide a range of life. Anytime you’re called upon to give your opinion on a political topic, speak in a group (or even one-on-one), or defend essential truths of the faith, you’re drawing on a limited prep skill.

This guide is designed to help you create those limited prep skills, whether you’re a novice starting out or an advanced student looking to up your game. For each limited prep category you’ll find an “ABCs” section with basic tips and explanations to help you get started. If you already understand the basics, you can jump to “next-level tips” where intermediate students can find advice and suggestions. Finally, “elite advice” will challenge seasoned students to push themselves as far as possible in developing their skills. At the end of each section you’ll find some helpful exercises so that you can practice the concepts discussed for yourself.

You can read this guide straight through or turn to the sections that are relevant to you. Either way, I hope you find a few practical and interesting tips that you can take with you and that you leave feeling a little more confident about the world of limited prep!” 

You can purchase the Limited Prep Guide HERE. With daily practice, your communication skills will grow stronger. Also- don’t forget, we also created the Lasting Impact! Activity Prompt Cards – ways to make club or home more fun and engaging through activity prompts!

Summer Speech and Debate Prep With Us!

Ok- maybe we are a bit premature! Some of you haven’t been to your National Championship, yet! But REGISTRATION IS GOING ON NOW! Lasting Impact! aims to empower students with the skills of effective communication and teamwork through the avenues of debate and public speaking. Check out what you can sign up for by going to the SHOP ( https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )or read the list below…

  • In Person Camps! The Impact! Tour is topping at over 10 locations from HI to FL! We love partnering with clubs and are excited to bring energy and fun and quality coaching to your home town! We still have some dates available, if your state isn’t on the list, contact us!
  • Summer Sessions! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15065/ We added something new to the mix this year! Online weekly encouragement to boost students, parents, coaches, and clubs! Every Monday night for ten weeks we will dig into the topics you want to hear about. We’ve invited special guests, as well as our coaches for you to hear the latest ideas and inspiration. Sessions include…
  • How to get started in Speech and Debate 
  • Overview of Resolutions 
  • How to Research 
  • Picking Topics
  • The Ins and Outs of Expository or Digital Presentations 
  • Purposeful Practicing 
  • Running Clubs/Club Leading
  • And More!

No time for summer prep!? We have that covered too! Fall classes and clubs are filling up! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/ And more classes will be added! Classes include…

  • Debate Readiness 
  • Speech 101
  • Speech 102
  • Fundamentals of LD
  • Fundamentals of Limited Prep
  • TP Basics
  • And More!

We, at Lasting Impact! have a passion for the Art of Communication! We are excited for what the Lord has in store for young people, and want to help them understand the value and power they have to IMPACT and inspire! If you aren’t seeing something you want contact heather@lastingimpact.info

Introducing – Lasting Impact! Summer Series – Register NOW!

You asked for it! We will provide it!

What?

Lasting Impact! Summer Session Series

What!?

Weekly live (yet recorded) Speech and Debate sessions to increase your summer prep! Each week we will cover areas or subjects pivotal to Speech and Debate. Sessions will include…

  • How to get started in Speech and Debate 
  • Overview of Resolutions 
  • How to Research 
  • Picking Topics
  • The Ins and Outs of Expository or Digital Presentations 
  • Purposeful Practicing 
  • Running Clubs/Club Leading
  • And More!

Each week there will be a theme, which will include guest speakers. The schedule will go out in advance.

When?

June 26-Aug. 28

Mondays – 7:30pm CT

Cost – $150 per family/$125 per membership family

Questions?

  1. Do I need to be physically present? No. But being there is an advantage! The recordings will be sent out.
  2. Can I watch the recordings later? Yes, we will keep the recordings for the remainder of the year, possibly longer.
  3. Do I need to purchase one for each student? Nope! The cost is per family.
  4. Can I use a video for club? Yes.

Lasting Impact! loves coming along students, parents, coaches, and clubs providing you with the tools for the toolbox to create an impact! Come! Be inspired! And be get ready to make an IMPACT! Register NOW – https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15065/

Spring 2023 With Lasting Impact! Register NOW!

We, at Lasting Impact!, are excited to jump into 2023! Join us as we learn, explore, and make Lasting Impacts! through speech and debate! This spring Lasting Impact! is offering multiple opportunities for students to expand their skills! 

Are you looking to up your speech and debate game? This winter/spring Lasting Impact! is hosting a number of different online clubs, including Extemp Roundtable with Marc Davis, Literary Analysis and Speech 101 with Heather Neumann, Apologetics and Foundational LD Debate with Noah McKay and starting in February Limited Prep with Honor Hoffman and Debate Readiness with Amy Eichholz! Our coaches have years of experience, knowledge and are actively involved with the leagues and speech and debate community. Our clubs provide not only educational material but general life skills, such as communication, analytical skills, timeline goals, and the ability to give and receive feedback from fellow peers. Clubs are a wonderful way to gain insight, knowledge, and help prepare you for the 2023 tournaments, and beyond! We are proudly a Christian-based organization mentoring students through a biblical worldview. 

Here’s what people are saying,

“Heather combines next-door warmth with canny insight, creating classes and opportunities for students and parents that perfectly meet needs in an enthusiastic, always-encouraging, Christ-focused way. How grateful we are for Lasting Impact!” – Missy 

 “Lasting Impact! fosters an encouraging and creative environment for multiple ages, providing students across America and beyond with a solid foundation of principles and skills that will be used time and time again!” – John

 “Being clear, logical, articulate, and winsome are qualities fast-fading in our culture, so we need to cultivate them. Lasting Impact! taught my student how research with legitimate sources, how to use logical analysis, and how to communicate calmly and persuasively.” – Kristi 

“As a new student in the speech and debate world, I am very thankful for my coaches at Lasting Impact! They prepared me better than I ever thought possible!” – Isaiah

We would love to have you join us in preparing to leave a Lasting Impact! For more information on specific clubs or to register please visit our Shop. See you soon! 

How To Decide? Selling Your Speech Topic Idea

You have probably heard me before talk about this part of your Speech and Debate Journey… welcome to the Exploratory Phase - the time when you should be exploring ideas, options, cases, even books (please tell me you aren’t only using a search engine)! Honestly, this is one of my favorite times - I have stacks of books scattered around my house, coaching appointments are made up “idea generating sessions”, the TV, radio, newspaper could give me a lead on the next best idea! So why is it that so many people struggle with this Phase!!?

While you are in the Exploratory Phase… you need to do just that - EXPLORE! How else are you going to decide what you want to talk about for the next 4-10 months (you think I am over exaggerating, but I’m not). In order for you to make progress… you actually have to put in the work! Here, I’ll help- I will break it down in a little check list for you to decide if you will be able to sell your idea to your future audience…

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