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
If you haven’t yet decided which debate format to pursue this season, now is the perfect time to explore LD – especially with a resolution that’s truly out of this world. (Check out our article on why we think this year’s NCFCA topic is stellar. LINK HERE). And now, we’re excited to announce the release of our 2025–26 Lasting Impact! LD Debate Resource:
Elements of Lincoln-Douglas – A Handbook for Mastering Outer Space
Whether you’re a seasoned debater or just getting started, this 187-pagehandbook is packed with tools and resources to help you engage confidently in Lincoln Douglas Debate, but specifically with this year’s NCFCA resolution:
“In the exploration and utilization of outer space, international cooperation should be prioritized.”
This Resource is MORE Than Just Cases – A Complete Debate Toolbox!!
Unlike debate sourcebooks that focus only on sample cases,Elements of Lincoln-Douglas offers a well-rounded, practical guide for students, coaches, and parents alike.
Inside, you’ll find:
Instruction in Core LD Skills – From cross-examination techniques to narrative development
Rich Topic Analysis – Articles exploring sci-fi and media bias, liberalism vs. realism, ethical frameworks, biblical worldview, and lessons from the Age of Exploration
Step-by-Step Case Construction – Learn how to define terms, analyze the resolution, choose a value, build contentions, and write compelling applications
Strategic Negative Argumentation – Insights on how to develop a negative strategy, including tactics, examples, and ready-to-use applications
Interactive Worksheets – Tools to help students build, revise, and refine cases and to practice cross examination
Coaching Tips Throughout – Practical advice, reminders, and helpful strategies
Seven Full Cases!!! – Featuring contributions from national champions Alithea West (2024 Stoa Mars Hill and Parli Debate Champion) and Caleb McClure (2025 NCFCA LD Champion)
Guidance and Strategy for the Season
Think of this handbook as your personal mentor for the debate season. It will save you hours of research, clarify complex ideas, and guide you in developing clear, strategic, and compelling arguments. Many of the tools and tips inside are the same techniques we teach in our coaching sessions and camps.
Written With Experience – From Both Sides of the Table
Co-authored by an experienced NCFCA coach and parent alum who is still active in the league, and a seasoned NCFCA alum debater currently competing in college, this guide brings over 20 years of combined experience into one resource. Their unique perspectives offer a blend of insight, encouragement, and wisdom that sets this handbook apart.
Don’t start your season without it! Grab your copy of Elements of Lincoln-Douglas and get ready to launch (pun intended) your best LD season yet. Head to the SHOP and purchase yours today! Or click HERE. The introductory price is $40 for Lasting Impact! Members, $50 for nonmembers.
Hillary Kolssak: Hillaryhas been teaching and coaching Lincoln-Douglas debate for over a decade. Throughout the years, she has guided many students in developing a deeper understanding of values-based debate and helped them think critically about the weighty topics LD presents. In addition to coaching, she has judged hundreds of rounds and has a strong grasp of how students can effectively connect with and persuade their judges. She is currently serving as club co-director, advanced speech coach and LD coach at EverReady Speech & Debate Club in the Chicago area.
She recently completed the Colson Fellows Program, which equips individuals to examine life’s issues through a biblical worldview – an approach she brings into her teaching. Hillary is passionate about helping students excel in both speech and debate, but even more importantly, she seeks to cultivate growth in integrity, wisdom, and character.
Nathanael Kolssak: Nathanael grew up attending NCFCA tournaments with his older siblings, and when he was old enough, he began competing in Team Policy. Over his many years in the league, he also competed in Interp, Limited Prep, Platform speeches, Moot Court, and Lincoln-Douglas, earning numerous awards along the way. During his senior year, he won Team Policy at Regionals.
Nathanael attends Cedarville University, where he serves as co-captain of the debate team. He competes in college speech and parliamentary debate and actively coaches students, emphasizing narrative techniques in debate. Majoring in Communication, he plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the same field, focusing on rhetoric. Passionate about teaching and mentorship, Nathanael hopes to one day teach communication, helping students develop their skills in speaking with grace and persuasion.
Did you know Lasting Impact! has a variety of Speech and Debate Clubs? Check out the SHOP to see what’s in store for Fall 2025 – https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/
If you are looking for a coach to jump into your clubs for an online zoom session- we do that too! Our coaches are fabulous at what they do! We have coached numerous National Champions, but we also connect with those who don’t! Speech and Debate is a personal journey. It’s a joy and honor to come alongside students, parents, coaches, and clubs wherever you are! For more information or questions contact Heather@lastingimpact.info
Moot Court is alive! After NCFCA decided to discontinue the activity this past year, a few parents and I started the High School Moot Court Association (HSMCA) to facilitate continued Moot competition. You can find more information at our website, hsmca.org.
We started by getting a team together, and we got the best of the best. We have last year’s head of ballot admin, last year’s judge recruiter, a tournament staffer, one of the NCFCA packet writers and editors, two decorated alumni, a practicing attorney, a financial advisor, and myself on the nine-person board.
Then we filed for 501(c)(3) status, and then started doing all the small things that it takes to get a league off the ground: designing a logo; building roles and job descriptions; budgeting; planning a tournament platform; marketing; website design; designing a rulebook.
And at long last, we’re approaching the finish line of the start-up process. But getting the league off the ground is really just step one. The second step is getting students and families involved. So… why should your family be involved in Moot Court? Three reasons come to mind.
As a coach, I’ve seen countless students walk into a Speech and Debate Camp a little nervous, unsure of what to expect. But by the end of the camp, they’ve transformed—equipped with new skills, fresh strategies, and the confidence to tackle their next competition head-on. If you’re a student considering whether to attend a Speech and Debate Camp – online or in-person or a parent wondering if it’s worth the investment, the answer is a resounding YES! I have countless of reasons why… but here’s just two reasons why: (and remember- we have TWO awesome online debate camps coming up… check them out HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )
You made it! Now what?! This post is not about the competition, because as you heard it before… Speech and Debate is not always about the competition! Here are a few things to be prepared for before you head to Nats…
Walking! Most National Championships are on college campuses. That means walking. Guys, make sure your shoes are broken in a and comfortable. Ladies, bring an extra set if walking shoes. Put your high heels in a back pack.
Down Time. Congratulations you made in in one speech! Now what!? If you have been participating in multiple speeches and debate all season, this will be a new adventure! How will you fill the time? I know students who worship, play spike ball, frisbee, hang with friends, but don’t forget to support your competing comrades or watch speeches/debate to gain insight for future years!
Hydrate, don’t die-drate. This goes without saying… with all that walking (and potentially hot weather), make sure you are drinking plenty of water!
Relationships. Turn off your phone! Be in the present! You might meet someone standing outside your room or walking to the next place. Find someone who is alone. Invest in the relationship waiting to happen! Make a goal to meet someone new each day.
Vendors/Sponsors. This might seem like a shameless plug for Lasting Impact! But really, these people – vendors, sponsors, colleges… these are your people. They may know things you don’t. Check them out, they could be an organization that could be the key to your success!
Go to worship/devos. Start the day right! This could be why you are there. There could be a message you need to hear.
Learn and grow! Yes, you learn a ton from doing this activity. But, as always I guarantee, He always has more for you… if you are seeking Him in all you do! Expect the unexpected.
Congrats for making it to your National Championship! Now what?
Yes, I just got off the whirlwind of directing Newsies… but this lesson of “seizing the day” can be implemented NOW, before heading to your Speech and Debate National Championships! I see it all the time… most students are just grateful to get to the pinnacle level- they sit back relax and go into summer mode. Don’t stop now! Seize the moment! I highly recommend 3 things before heading to Nats…
Perspective – Get another perspective on your speech or case. This can be anyone! You don’t need to hire a coach (if you don’t want to). But think and talk about your speech with anyone who will listen AND get you thinking! You have choices… looking at something from a different angle might be just what you need.
Read those ballots… ALL OF THEM! You could even call anyone you might have a question about. Yes… you can do that! If you know a judge (someone who judged you), you can reach out to them! There are no rules about that. Understand their ranking or decisions could impact this last tournament.
Pray. Yep, sounds typical… but I believe in it. Does your speech need tweaking? What does God want from you at Nationals? Maybe you are there for competition, but maybe not. Be open to what He wants!
Your friends are Lasting Impact! are lifting you up during these final steps in the season. And hey- if you are ready to talk next year… that’s ok too! Are you ready for your National Championship? Do you need help? The coaches as Lasting Impact! are standing by! Schedule a coaching call today!
I recently had the privilege of representing Lasting Impact! and attended a tournament in Florida (I reside in NH). After the tournament I spent the day coaching a local club. In our general session we covered how to prepare for the rest of the season…
The REST of the season can mean several things…
1. Preparing for Regionals or your National Championship
2. Having one last chance to break – to take your speech to the next level of competition- gain a green check, cash in some at large points, etc.
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!
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…
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