Category: Debate

TP Source – Early Release Announcement, Camps, and More!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Hello, NCFCA Debaters, Coaches, and Clubs!
Lasting Impact! is eager to announce the release of TWO cases for the 2025 debate summer camp season. We are excited for the upcoming NCFCA season, which will focus on Congressional reforms, and our coaches have been hard at work researching and crafting the quality Lasting Impact! cases you have come to know and love (these may just be some of our best yet)! 

In the past, we have released a source book near the beginning of August. This year will be no exception, but in addition to this traditional release, we also want to help support your summer research and camps by releasing two high-quality cases early. We will be selling one case for $20 or both early releases for $30 per team. The cases include a 1AC, an AFF backup, and a NEG brief. The two cases are: “Pass the TRUST Act,” which deals with insider trading, and “Pass Congressional Term Limits,” which advocates for term limits on U.S. Representatives and Senators. We will be using these sample cases in our own Summer Debate Camps!!
Speaking of… Looking to dive into a Summer Speech or Debate Camp? Sign up NOW with some of the best speech and debate coaching and materials! Our Online Camps will be recorded! If you are still looking to host a camp… check with Heather to see if a coach can come to you Heather@lastingimpact.info, OR we would encourage you to stop by the Lasting Impact booth at the NCFCA National Championship in Minnesota! We will be on campus and look forward to meeting you! If you would like to see a preview of the NCFCA TP Camp Cases, or our other amazing products or materials – come to our booth (and meet our llama)!! We will have copies of the cases and books available for preview. And don’t forget the SALE going on now… (see previous post for details). As always, we love coming alongside your speech and debate journey!

FREE Webinar – Judging Moot at Nats

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Are you heading to the NCFCA National Championship to judge Moot Court? When you judge Moot, you might also feel like you’ve won a slot to Nats! Asking the right questions might make you feel like you are put in the hot seat! Ethan Tong is putting together another Moot Judging Webinar so that you can be fully prepped to judge and ask good questions at Nationals. Judging at Nationals can be scary because it’s in person, but it can also be more fun! No more worrying about feedback, no more worrying whether the competitor can hear you or is intentionally ignoring you… you can see if he or she is reading from a script or if they have memorized their material, etc. Everything is better in person!

If you’re interested in learning more about how to judge well, understand the case materials better, and have your questions answered, register for the FREE webinar hosted Monday night, May 26th, at 7pm. If you aren’t able to make it, it will be recorded, but you still need to register. 

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck8V_6SGjoUCe1Y80WI-KpP7gXXNHIQulTUraIcCAch5SQqA/viewform?usp=header

And invite your friends to the webinar—it’s completely free! We just want to equip judges so everyone feels good about their rounds.

What Can You Expect From Nationals?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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…

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. Go to worship/devos. Start the day right! This could be why you are there. There could be a message you need to hear.
  7. 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?

Now is the Time to Seize the Day!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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…

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

Reflection on the Season by: Roman Hogancamp

Posted on by Heather Neumann

“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

–Titus 2:6-8

As the season comes to a close, I want to ask you this; what have you gained? First, second, or third place awards? What was it all for? Success? The coin-size medal? A piece of paper? No, speech and debate is not about winning. Instead, competition allows you the opportunity to grow in your understanding of the world around you and to learn to effectively communicate a Christian worldview. We must understand that our debates are not for a ballot or two but are instead refining and molding us to be ambassadors for God’s glory—ambassadors to a world that desperately needs the message of Jesus Christ.

Continue reading “Reflection on the Season by: Roman Hogancamp” →

The 2024-25 TP NCFCA/ASDA Sourcebook is HERE!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We apologize for the delay… but good things come to those who wait! This Team Policy Sourcebook was not just pulled together! In fact, our editors and writers put a great deal of thought and detail into this AMAZING resource! The TP Sourcebook is a compilation of cases and practical reference materials, intended as a “starter pack” to help students launch the season quickly and easily. And we created it for TWO leagues- ASDA and NCFCA (if you compete in both, you don’t need to purchase both). The TP Sourcebook provides important foundational information about the resolution and the key concepts involved, reference information about the countries and agencies covered under the resolution, and a set of cases to help students to begin debating right away. Not only do we write our resources for students, we write them with parents and coaches in mind.

2024-25 TP Sourcebook contents include…

– A resolutional analysis brief

– Six original affirmative cases (1AC’s)

– Six corresponding affirmative backup briefs

– Six corresponding negative briefs

– Six country-specific fact sheets

– A strategy article on “The Debate Continuum”

The 27-page “Resolutional Analysis” provides a thorough introduction to the resolution and a reference handbook with evidence cards regarding the terms and agencies covered under the resolution. The cases in this year’s sourcebook cover a variety of topics related to US policy, including immigration, foreign aid, tariffs & imports, economic development, global stability and strategies for fighting corruption in Central America.

Sourcebook contents are provided in an electronic folder with separate files for each brief, so students can print the sourcebook sections individually, or in their entirety.

Fair Use Agreement

Students may download the sourcebook in either a PDF, or DOC (Microsoft Word) version, or both. By downloading the TP Sourcebook, students agree to utilize the materials for their own personal use. They are allowed to share the sourcebook with their partner, but not with other students, unless a student has purchased (but perhaps not printed) the sourcebook for themselves. Students may use the cases and briefs as written, but they also may choose to “personalize” them by adding and adapting the materials with their own ideas and information.

Purchase the TP Sourcebook today… it’s on SALE for one week!
NCFCA –https://lastingimpact.info/product/sourcebook23031/

ASDA – https://lastingimpact.info/product/sourcebook23034/

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

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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!

No More Moot Court Excuses by: Ethan Tong

Posted on by Heather Neumann

(Sign up for the final Moot Camp today!! It’s just around the corner––August 17th and 19th. It’s so much fun every year, and campers always express being grateful they decided to come.) https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp22585/

I’m a Moot Coach, so I hear a lot of people’s thoughts on the event. But oddly enough, the most common objection I hear to competing in Moot is not “idk, it looks scary.” It’s not “I dunno, it doesn’t look fun,” or even “I don’t have a partner.” No––the overwhelming #1 objection is “I don’t have time for it. I’m too busy this year.”

Don’t make that excuse…

Continue reading “No More Moot Court Excuses by: Ethan Tong” →

NCFCA/ASDA TP Res – A Deeper Look and Upcoming TP Online Camp

Posted on by Heather Neumann

“The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its foreign policy toward one or more of the following Central American countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.”
This year’s NCFCA and ASDA TP resolution asks us to learn about some of our neighbors, who are just a few countries south. Given the number of countries covered under the resolution, it opens the door to a wide range of policies. International policy resolutions are distinct from domestic policy resolutions in that they offer debaters a greater challenge and a good opportunity to be creative. Some of my best years debating in the league were when I was challenged by an international policy resolution.
With a new debate year right around the corner, it’s about that time in the summer when most people (except the most studious debaters who started researching when the resolution was released) start to think about the topic for the upcoming season. You may be asking, “How do I tackle this year’s resolution, and where do I start?” I hope to provide a brief orientation to this year’s topic and pique your interest by examining three broad issues related to the resolution: economics, national security, and global stability. Continuing reading below… or sign up for Lasting Impact!’s Online TP Camp (non league specific)! It starts next week. Also- our TP Sourcebook is COMING SOON!

Continue reading “NCFCA/ASDA TP Res – A Deeper Look and Upcoming TP Online Camp” →

LD in NCFCA 2024-25 by: Drew Swanberg

Posted on by Heather Neumann


It’s that time of year again. The new resolution is here and people are already forming their opinions and for next year’s debate season. We already ran an Online LD Camp (GET THE RECORDING HERE FOR ONLY $25/members –https://lastingimpact.info/product/workshop22659/ ) and the Lasting Impact! LD Guide is about to be released NEXT WEEK!! As a coach, I have already taken a deeper look at the selected NCFCA Lincoln Douglas value debate resolution for 2024-2025 debate season.  Resolved: In combat, the use of automation should be valued above the use of Personnel. At first glance and without the context, it may not be clear whether this resolution begs ethical questions significant enough to debate. I would argue however, that there is practically an ocean of relevant moral philosophy to this highly relevant and deceptively nuanced resolution…

Continue reading “LD in NCFCA 2024-25 by: Drew Swanberg” →

Reflections on 2024 Moot Court Nationals and Why You Should Sign Up for Moot Camp by: Ethan Tong

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The last time Nationals was held at Anderson University was 2019, my senior year. That year, my Moot partner and I had aspirations of making the final round. We had fully memorized our speeches and were the top seed at a previous National Open.

But when breaks were announced, the team of EJ Rorem and Ethan Tong wasn’t announced. As we’d later find out, we went 3-5 (there used to be 4 rounds with 2 judges each). Though we both got Oral Advocate awards later that week, it was a small consolation. We wanted to be in finals. And that was our last chance… (Keep reading to find out what I learned at Moot Court Nationals and why you should try Moot…)

Continue reading “Reflections on 2024 Moot Court Nationals and Why You Should Sign Up for Moot Camp by: Ethan Tong” →