Last week I went to see one of my favorite Broadway shows at a local theater. Something was missing. The set was awesome! The costumes were great! It was a full cast! Something was off!? Anyone who spends time in theatre has experienced it. The actors say all the right words. They move to the right places. The show looks polished and well-rehearsed. Yet somehow… it feels hollow. The same thing can happen in Speech and Debate!!
What’s missing?
Often the difference comes down to three very different approaches to speaking lines: reciting, performing, and feeling.
Great thinking doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built over time through intentional learning, strong ideas, and meaningful conversation. That’s exactly what Lasting Impact! is here!!
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Practice is where Speech and Debate competitors are truly made—but not all practice is created equal. Hours spent rehearsing without focus can lead to burnout, frustration, and stalled growth. Purposeful practice, on the other hand, builds thinkers, communicators, and confident competitors. The difference isn’t time... It’s intention. Read on for more EIGHT intentional practice tips and to understand why purposeful practice is so important...
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To win an LD round, you’ve got to convince your judge that your side is “good.” But to answer that question, you first need to ask a more important question: What IS the good? In the particular situation posed by this particular resolution, what ought we to value as our highest priority? Why should we value it? Is LD just a math problem? Is it enough to just tally up the benefits and count up which side provides more? If you’d like to discuss these principles further, or get personal help refining your cases, a few spots are still available in this semester’s LD Socratic Circle club. The club meets on Mondays at 6pm CT. Sign up here: https://lastingimpact.info/product/club24801/
Coach Henry Chen addresses these questions and more in this new resource available as a free download in the Lasting Impact shop. His article describes the two levels of argumentation that an LD debater must win, and he explores the scenarios that can occur when students fail to recognize the clashing worldviews at play in a round. This resource will help debaters and coaches better identify conflicting frameworks and weigh the impacts of each side. Check it out int the Lasting Impact! Library as a PDF soon~
The “Two-Step” of LD Debate Lincoln-Douglas debate is unique because it requires two distinct victories. You cannot just prove your side is “good” (Step 2); you must first prove how we define “good” (Step 1). The “Scale” metaphor visualizes this hierarchy. Step 1: The First Order of Debate (The Framework) Image: Top Left (Framework Conflict) ● The Metaphor: This panel represents the Value and Criterion debate. ● The Action: Notice the two debaters are not looking at the weights (the arguments/impacts) on the table. They are arguing about the instruments in their hands. ○ The debater on the left wants to use a Standard Balance Scale (Utilitarianism). He wants to measure quantity—who has the biggest pile of benefits? ○ The debater on the right wants to use a Precision Gauge (Deontology). He wants to measure quality—did a specific rule or right get violated? ● The Lesson for Students: “Before you tell me how many lives you saved or how much money you made (the weights), you must win the argument of which type of scale the judge should use to weigh the round. If you start throwing weights on the table before the judge has picked a scale, you are wasting your time.”
Step 2: The Second Order of Debate (The Impacts) Once the “First Order” is settled and a scale is chosen, the debate moves to the “Second Order”—weighing the arguments. There are three possible outcomes shown in the other panels.
Outcome A: The Utilitarian Framework Wins Image: Top Right (Utilitarian Match) ● The Scenario: The judge accepted the Utilitarian framework, and both sides are arguing about quantity of impacts. (e.g., Value of Prosperity with a Criterion of Maximizing Well-being). ● The Metaphor: We use the scale that measures quantity, the debate becomes a math problem. ● The Action: ○ Left Pan: “Maximize Happiness” + “Save Lives” (Heavy weights). ○ Right Pan: “Minor Harm” (Light weight). ● The Result: The scale tips. One quantitative impact is found to be “heavier” than the other. ● The Lesson: “If Utilitarianism wins as the scale, then the heaviest pile of rocks wins. Your goal is to pile up as many positive consequences as possible. The side with the greater quantity or has the ‘heavier’ net benefit wins the round.”
Outcome B: The Deontological Framework Wins (The Clash of Duties) Image: Bottom Right (Deontological Match) ● The Scenario: The judge accepted a Deontological framework, but both sides are arguing about duties. ● The Metaphor: We use the scale that measures quality, the debate becomes a calculus of duties and rights. ● The Action: ○ Left Pan: “Duty to Protect” (e.g., National Security). ○ Right Pan: “Human Right” (e.g., Privacy). ● The Result: The scale tips. One moral duty is found to be “heavier” or more fundamental than the other. ● The Lesson: “If Deontology wins, then the strength of the obligation wins. Is the Duty to Protect the Nation ‘heavier’ than the Individual Right to Privacy? The side with the greater moral weight wins the round..”
Outcome C: The Deontological Framework Wins (The Mismatch) Image: Bottom Left (Deontological Mismatch) ● The Scenario: The judge accepted a Deontological framework, but the debaters have different types of things to weigh. ● The Metaphor: This scale is designed to detect specific moral properties (like rights violations), not the weight of consequences. ● The Action: The debater tries to put Utilitarian weights (“Maximize Happiness” and “Save Lives”) onto the Deontological machine. ● The Result: “DOES NOT COMPUTE.” The needle doesn’t move. The machine doesn’t care about happiness; it only cares about rights. ● The Lesson: “This is the most common novice mistake. If your opponent wins a ‘Justice/Rights’ framework, and you keep arguing that your side ‘boosts the economy’ or ‘makes people happy,’ you are putting the wrong fuel in the engine. It doesn’t matter how great your impacts are; on this scale, they weigh zero.”
We’re excited to announce that scripts are now available in the SHOP at Lasting Impact!—a growing collection of thoughtfully crafted works designed for speech competitions, one-act festivals, and full theatrical productions.
Whether you’re a student preparing for competition, a coach searching for quality material, or a director looking for meaningful scripts for your program, these works were created with purpose, performance, and impact in mind.
Perfect for interpretive speech events, these scripts are crafted to:
Highlight strong characters and clear themes
Fit within competitive time limits
Offer flexibility for creative interpretation
Provide emotional depth and clarity
These pieces are ideal for students who want material that is engaging, followable, and judge-friendly, while still allowing room for originality and personal voice. These scripts are high quality, ready for you to make your own! Whether you are an individual looking for a DRAMATIC, OPEN, or HUMOROUS Interpretation or you are a dynamic DUO looking for the perfect INTERP… look no further! We have variety of SCRIPTS… and more will be posted monthly!
2. One-Act Plays
Our one-act plays are designed for:
Speech and debate competition
School performances
Festivals and showcases
They offer strong storytelling, manageable casts, and themes that resonate with both performers and audiences—making them excellent choices for programs looking for quality material without the commitment of a full-length production. One Act plays are typically between 20-40 minutes in length. They have more to cut, but are a great option for competition.
3. Full-Length Plays
For theater programs seeking meaningful, performance-ready material, our full-length plays provide:
Compelling narratives
Rich characters
Clear themes
Opportunities for ensemble and lead performers
These scripts are ideal for schools, community theaters, and homeschool groups looking for stories that challenge performers and engage audiences. Our collection has been written, published, and produced by Heather Neumann, founder of Lasting Impact! These plays are not all posted yet, but will be available in 2026 for production. Contact heather@lastingimpact.info for rights and royalty information. Plays include…
Light in the Darkness – An Adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables
A Christmas Carol
Pirates of Penzance ~ A Play with Music
Pride and Prejudice
Little Women
The Importance of Being Earnest
Written and Curated with Experience
All scripts on Lasting Impact! are written or curated by Heather Neumann—author, coach, and educator who has worked with thousands of students and coached dozens of National Champions.
Heather Neumann is an author, playwright, and nationally recognized speech coach who has worked with thousands of students and coached numerous Speech Champions. She is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech and Lasting Impact’s Speech Grab and Go, as well as multiple stage adaptations, including Light in the Darkness, inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Her work centers on meaningful storytelling, clarity of interpretation, and as always, a lasting impact!
Heather finds deep joy in working with young performers, helping them discover their voice and the power it carries to impact the world. With a gift for transforming timeless literature into accessible and compelling dramas for students and adults of all ages. Heather’s work is infused with purpose, beauty, and grace. Her greatest delight is in revealing the love of the Father through every performance. She treasures her faith, her family, and the way theater can draw hearts closer to Jesus.
But success has never been measured by awards alone. These scripts reflect years of experience understanding:
What works on stage
What resonates with judges and audiences
What challenges and grows students
What builds confidence, creativity, and communication skills
Each piece is created with the belief that performance is not just about winning—it’s about growth, connection, and lasting impact. If you believe you have a public domain or an original script that you feel is competition and Lasting Impact! worthy, contact heather@lastingimpact.info
Whether you’re preparing for a tournament, selecting a play for your program, or looking for meaningful material that stretches performers, these scripts were written to serve both excellence and heart!
We invite you to browse the growing script collection and find the piece that fits your students, your program, and your goals.
The competitive season is about officially to be in full swing—and whether you’re still searching for the right case, considering a strategic switch, or preparing for the arguments you know are coming, we’ve got exactly what you need.
Today, we’re excited to unveil the Lasting Impact Team Policy Mid-Season Release, a powerful new resource designed to equip debaters with fresh, relevant, and high-quality material right when they need it most.
In a world overflowing with information, it’s easy for students to lean on shortcuts—summaries, prewritten cases, or someone else’s arguments passed along as their own. But the true value of Speech and Debate doesn’t come from finding the right answer quickly. It comes from learning how to think deeply, critically, and independently…
Judging a Speech and Debate round is both an honor and a responsibility. You’re not just ranking performances—you’re shaping communicators. The feedback you give can influence how a student grows, how they see themselves, and how they use their voice in the future.
So, what does it mean to be a great speech judge? It’s not about being the most experienced speaker or the toughest critic—it’s about being attentive, encouraging, and helpful.
The Purpose of Judging
Your role as a judge is to:
Evaluate each performance fairly according to the rules.
Encourage students in their development as communicators.
Equip them with feedback that will make their next speech even stronger.
Each ballot you complete is more than a score sheet—it’s a coaching moment.
What Kind of Feedback Students Want
Most students don’t want generic comments like:
“Nice job!” or “Good eye contact.”
They want specific, actionable, and encouraging feedback.
Here’s what that looks like:
Weak Feedback
Strong Feedback
“Good introduction.”
“Your introduction grabbed my attention right away! Consider pausing before your first line to make it even more powerful.”
“Work on gestures.”
“Your gestures matched your message, but be mindful of repeating the same hand motion—it can distract from your words.”
“Good job overall.”
“You communicated with confidence and passion! Next time, try adding more variation in tone to emphasize your key points.”
✅ Students crave feedback that helps them grow, not just compliments or criticism.
Why Your Feedback Matters
Your written comments might be the only coaching a student receives between tournaments. A single thoughtful note can:
Build confidence
Clarify direction
Encourage persistence
Inspire excellence
In short—you have the power to change how a student feels about their voice.
Be Observant and Balanced
A good judge looks for both strengths and areas of growth (GROWS AND GLOWS). Think of it like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich… The bread (GLOWS) holds the peanut butter and jelly (GROWS) together. Try using this simple approach:
Start with praise (bread/GLOW) – What went well? Be specific.
Give one or two suggestions (peanut butter and jelly/GROW)– What could improve? Focus on what’s realistic for next time.
End with encouragement (bread/GROW)– What inspires you about their message or performance?
Example:
“You have a natural connection with your audience. Work on pacing your transitions a bit more evenly, and your delivery will feel even smoother. I loved the authenticity of your message—keep sharing it boldly!”
Practical Tips for Being a Better Judge
Be attentive – Stay engaged, even if you’ve heard the piece before. Don’t text during a speech!
Avoid thinking about what YOU think they might be capable of. – Judge each speech/competitor on their own merit.
Know the rules – Familiarize yourself with event criteria. Base your decisions on the ballot.
Be kind – Remember, they’re learning.
Encourage growth – Your words can motivate excellence.
The Heart of Judging
At its best, judging is mentorship in motion. It’s an opportunity to affirm truth, recognize effort, and guide the next generation of communicators.
Whether a student wins or not, your thoughtful feedback can remind them of something far more lasting: * Their words matter. * Their growth matters. * Their voice matters.
Final Thought: When you step into a judging round (or signing up for an online tournament), you’re not just evaluating speeches—you’re investing in people. And that makes your role one of the most meaningful parts of Speech and Debate.
What makes one speaker unforgettable while another is easily forgotten? What turns a simple argument into a persuasive force that moves judges, stirs emotions, and changes minds? What makes you want to listen, tune out the rest of the world? If you have ever heard my friend, owner/founder of IEW, Andrew Pudewa… there is a word that comes to mind. He’s a fabulous speaker!
The answer is one powerful word: compelling. In speech and debate, some speakers are clear. Others are confident. A few are even memorable. But the ones who win rounds, move audiences, and leave a lasting impact? Those speakers are compelling.
When people think about speech and debate, they often picture structure, rules, and competition — carefully written outlines, well-researched sources, and polished delivery. And while those things matter, there’s another ingredient that sets great speakers apart from good ones: creativity.
Creativity is what transforms a standard speech into a story, a logical argument into a memorable moment, and a routine performance into something alive. It’s what helps you find new angles, take risks, and connect with your audience in ways they don’t expect. It is part of the INTERESTING component in the I-Test!! How can you bring creativity into speech and debate and why does this set competitors apart? Keep reading…
One of the most intimidating early decisions in preparing a speech is: What should I talk about? Especially in a competition setting, the topic you choose can make or (or literally;) break how memorable, effective, and persuasive your speech can become. A few years ago I created The I-Test. The system I use to test topics and ideas. Let's be real, all National winning speeches tend to pass the test! And this year, I added a couple criteria that can also make a difference! Will your speech topic pass the test? Read on and learn about the ways to craft a speech to make sure it will make a lasting impact!
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Welcome to Lasting Impact! If you are new here or need a reminder of who we are, what we do, or OUR HEARTS, let me share that with you! At Lasting Impact, we believe that every voice deserves to be heard—and what better way to equip young people than through the art of communication and speech and debate. For over a decade, we’ve been supporting students not just in developing rhetorical confidence, but in nurturing their Christian worldview so they can speak with conviction, grace, and purpose.
What Makes Lasting Impact! Different
Christ-Centered Coaching: We don’t just teach students how to speak—we help them understand why their words matter. Our coaches guide competitors to articulate truth, act with integrity, and reflect Christ in every argument and interaction.
Real-World Skills, Real-World Faith: From our countless resources to coaching sessions to debate strategy and script assessments, our tools are grounded in practical skills—but always rooted in biblical principles.
A Legacy of Growth, Not Just Trophies: Our goal isn’t to chase awards—it’s to cultivate growth. As one coach reflects, we help students see that “competition allows you the opportunity… to learn to effectively communicate a Christian worldview.”
Our Community & Coaches Our team—seasoned coaches and Christian mentors—is committed to walking alongside each student. Whether you’re shaping your delivery, fine-tuning an argument, or seeking encouragement between rounds, our coaches bring both expertise and heartfelt support. Their genuine love for the students shows in every class, every feedback session, and every post-tournament conversation.
Why Lasting Impact! Matters In a world where media and communication are powerful tools, we equip students to use their voices wisely—answering not just for trophies or applause, but for dignity, truth, and to ultimately deepen their faith. Speech and debate becomes more than a hobby: it becomes a platform for Christ.
Get in Touch Curious how your student can get started? Whether it’s private coaching, script feedback, or an online club, we’re here to help them grow. Reach out and let’s start this journey together.
Heather Neumann is the Founder and Director of Lasting Impact! She continues to coach, lead clubs, mentor students and parents, runs tournaments, and still makes time to direct theater and write plays. She loves spending time with her own family any chance she can get. She can be reached at heather@lastingimpact.info
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