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!

Still Using My Speech and Debate Skills by: Keziah Alatis


Heart pounding. Palms sweating. Timer beeping. Pause. “Judges Ready?” Although the long, grueling days of speech and debate tournaments are behind me, these words manage to strike a peculiar chord of nostalgia and trepidation. From the first few tournaments when I competed via parental encouragement to the last tournaments when I remember thinking I’d miss these days. My speech and debate career ranged from sheer terror to apprehensive excitement. And even though I received a fair share of awards and plaques, I don’t think there was ever a speech I gave in my entire speech and debate career in which I didn’t tremble uncontrollably. Now, as a seasoned college student, I have noticed my speech and debate training come flying in at the most opportune times. And I’m wildly thankful for it…

Continue reading “Still Using My Speech and Debate Skills by: Keziah Alatis”

Navigating the Sea of Speech Topics

Hey there, fellow speech enthusiasts! Ahoy! You might be wondering why I sound like a sailor navigating the high seas. Well, embarking on your speech journey in Speech and Debate is not so different from setting sail. And one of the places we can find ourselves lost in the sea is when we are asked to choose a topic! So how do you find the perfect wind to carry your ship (or in this case, your speech) forward…

Continue reading “Navigating the Sea of Speech Topics”

Why Rationalism vs. Empiricism Isn’t as Bad as You May Think by: Peter Montgomery

When NCFCA announced a few months back that rationalism vs. empiricism would be the LD resolution for the 2023-24 season, I was honestly a bit surprised. Even more surprising, however, was the resistance the topic was met with. Despite clearly receiving a plurality of votes, many people were disappointed in the resolution.

As someone who has coached LD for years and competed for years before that, the pushback bewildered me. What was so bad about this topic? I was even on this year’s LD resolution committee and so the research I had done on the topic was extensive. But I still wasn’t sure why people were hesitant to debate it. So I decided to get to the bottom of it, and this is what I found…

Continue reading “Why Rationalism vs. Empiricism Isn’t as Bad as You May Think by: Peter Montgomery”

2023-24 NCFCA Team Policy Sourcebook is HERE

Are you ready to dive into over 400 pages of transportation policy? The Lasting Impact TP Sourcebook is an excellent, versatile resource for competitive team policy debaters. It has clear and comprehensive instructions for novice debaters to get a grasp of the basics of debate. And it also has stellar cases across the political and strategic spectrum for advanced debaters to get a start on the season. Coach Eric Meinerding says, “I highly recommend this resource for camps, research hungry debaters, coaches and everyone else in the policy community.”

What makes our Sourcebook different from other Sourcebooks? In addition to the hundreds of hours in content research, we hope to support students, parents, and coaches of all experiences to give them the foot in the door into the resolution, PLUS it provides general information and education on Team Policy.

What else is in the Sourcebook?

  • Resolution Analysis – key terms, departments, legislation, and more
  • 7 Affirmative Cases, and corresponding back ups and negative briefs
  • Generic Briefs
  • Strategy Tips
  • Questionnaires for speaking styles and partners
  • And more!

Can club leaders coach from this? Yes! But please have students purchase their own if they are going to use it. Coaches can use it like a guide. But no handouts.

Can my family share a copy? Yes!

Can our team share a copy? Yes!

Do you give club discounts? Yes!

Is it on sale? Yes! For the rest of the month. ONLY $35! Purchase yours today! Click HERE to purchase. Contact – Heather@lastingimpact.info for group pricing.

Registration for fall clubs and classes are going on now. We have Beginner TP and Advanced. Go to the SHOP and check all of the amazing clubs and register NOW!

Ready, Set, (Speech and Debate) Summer!

Can you believe it’s mid-June? Can you believe I have had coaching sessions already for fall 2023?! I’m not going to lie- I love summer prep! I love the enthusiasm that comes with tackling new resolutions, speech ideas, and the inspiration that comes from simply seeking His will.

Are you feeling ready for what the new speech and debate season has in store? If you are feeling unequipped, unsettled, or uninspired – join Lasting Impact! to get energized!!

Online Summer Camps! 

In Person Summer Camps!

One on One Coaching! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/services/ 

  • There’s nothing like a coaching session to give you accountability for the summer! 

Over 400 Articles!

  • Look through all our past articles to see what past coaches, competitors, even National Champions wanted to share with us!

New! Limited Prep Guide! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15091/ 

  • The latest Lasting Impact! Resource full of beginner, intermediate, and advanced tips to help you grow in your limited prep speaking. Including Impromptu, Mars Hill, Extemporaneous, and Apologetics.

Books and Resources!

And don’t forget Fall Clubs are right around the corner… sign up now! Space is limited! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/ 

  • Speech 101 with Heather Neumann
  • Speech 102 with Heather Neumann
  • Interp Club with Heather Neumann and Lynda DePasacreda
  • Limited Prep with Ethan Tong
  • Debate Readiness with Amy Eichholz
  • LD Fundamentals with Hillary and Nathanael Kolssak 
  • LD Strategies with Ethan Tong
  • Intermediate LD with Peter Montgomery 
  • LD Roundtable with Noah McKay
  • TP Foundations with Emalyn George
  • Advanced TP with Eric Meinerding 
  • Extemp Roundtable 

We can’t wait to see you again, meet for the first time, come alongside you and GROW, EQUIP, INSPIRE, and IMPACT! As always, we are cheering you on, and remember- you got this… cuz He’s got you!

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

Headed to Nationals… Now What? By: Lynda DePasacreta

I’ve been blessed to coach students heading to the national championship and watch students compete since 2016. Year after year, I often find myself saying the same thing- get a fresh perspective! It is not a new concept.

What inspired me today applies particularly to speech students, though I would encourage debate students to think through the same concept – how do we view our case, digital presentation/expos, apologetics? You name it, pick a topic.. how do we approach any of it with a fresh perspective that will not only engage our audience and judges, but engage our own minds as well…

Continue reading “Headed to Nationals… Now What? By: Lynda DePasacreta”

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/

Preparing for Tournaments Using Your Moot Court Imagination by: Ethan Tong

As the first Moot Tournament draws even closer, many students are panicking. How do you even prepare for an unlimited amount of questions from judges? How do you anticipate what questions might be asked?

Let me tell you about the key to a successful first tournament…

Continue reading “Preparing for Tournaments Using Your Moot Court Imagination by: Ethan Tong”

Tips for LD Negs in NCFCA by: Honor Hoffman

This past week, I had the privilege of judging multiple LD rounds at an NCFCA tournament. I saw some stellar cases and strong argumentation, but I also noticed a disturbing trend: many students seem confident and put-together when they affirm the resolution. They can articulate a strong philosophical case for private property rights, complete with appeals to social contract theory and natural rights. However, when it comes to the negative side, many cases seem far less polished. Students struggle to come up with a philosophical justification for the economic interests of the community. They let many affirmative points slide, uncontested. They often look uncomfortable.

Continue reading “Tips for LD Negs in NCFCA by: Honor Hoffman”

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!