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...
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…
Continue reading “How Speech and Debate Creates Thinkers”
We’re excited to announce that Heather Neumann, founder of Lasting Impact!, will be partnering with NCFCA today for a special Speech Committee Webinar— an opportunity to dive deep into this season’s new speech events: Biblical Presentation and Oratorical Thematic. Pro tip from Heather… “Fully understanding the rules is one of my go-to lessons when assisting students, parents, and coaches, and today you have the opportunity to hear from the speech committee personally about the new events NCFCA is offering. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and get inspired.”
Join the event as we explore the heart and purpose behind these new categories. Together, we’ll discuss:
This is the perfect opportunity for students, parents, and coaches to gain valuable insight and get excited for the season ahead!
When: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – TODAY!!
Time: 2:00 PM CT
Where: Online via Zoom
Register here: Click to Register
If you can’t attend live, don’t worry! The event will be recorded and made available on the Resources page of the NCFCA website.
We can’t wait to unpack these exciting new opportunities and equip students to grow in their speaking and storytelling skills. Hope to see you there! If you would like to learn more from Heather or the Lasting Impact! Team schedule a one on one session or a club coaching session today!
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!
Are you ready to sharpen your speaking skills, think faster on your feet, and have fun while learning? This fall, we are excited to launch a series of online speech and debate clubs designed to help students of all experience levels grow, compete, and explore their potential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, these clubs provide a multi-week, supportive environment to improve, practice, and succeed.
Here’s what we have lined up for the 1st Semester 2025-26:
Each of these clubs lasts throughout the first semester, giving students time to practice, grow, and see real improvement. Unlike one-time webinar or workshop, our clubs allow for consistent feedback, skill-building exercises, and a chance to develop lasting relationships with fellow students who are equally passionate about speech and debate.
Whether your goal is to gain confidence speaking in front of others, compete successfully, or simply enjoy the art of communication, there’s a club here for you. Plus, the online format means you can join from the comfort of home while still engaging in interactive, collaborative learning.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Join us this fall and take your skills to the next level. Your voice is powerful—let’s make sure it’s heard. Go to the SHOP NOW and sign up!
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
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/ )
Continue reading “Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?”
Are you ready to begin your 2025-2026 speech and debate season? We are too! In fact, we have one camp under our belt and resources busting at the seams! Here is just a short run down of how you can use Lasting Impact! as the number one resource in Speech and Debate this summer and beyond!
Lasting Impact! is gearing up for the best summer and season ever! We hope you join us!
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…
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!
The most creative person to ever scam me was a gnarly looking old man I bumped into on 16th street in Baton Rouge. I was 19 at the time, freshly homeschooled, deeply naive, and very, very easy to separate from my money. Over the next half hour, this old man explained to me the sad situation that he was supposedly in.
“I work for that art shop.” He said, pointing to a nearby building. “This afternoon I was working from home. I was on the BRINK of finishing a big charcoal portrait for an elderly lady who’s dying of cancer, but then I ran out of charcoal! Can you believe that?” I could believe that! I DID believe that! He went on. “This poor, dying lady has a daughter, and this daughter’s birthday is tomorrow! The dying lady wants to give my portrait to her daughter as a birthday present, but I can’t finish it in time unless you help me buy some more charcoal! Can you spare a few bucks?” I eyed him somewhat suspiciously. “Why can’t you get the supplies from the shop you work at?” I said pointing to the building. The man’s face fell as he said “I tried. But my car broke down and by the time I made it to the shop on foot, the owner had locked up and left town on vacation. If you don’t help me, this lady may die before I can finish this portrait.” And with that, he held out his convincingly soot stained hand and I opened my wallet. We went back and forth on just how much money charcoal cost, and by the end of our haggling, we settled on a number we were all happy with: a cool, calm 90 dollars.
The next week, I happened to see the owner of the art shop. I asked him about the old man who worked at the shop. His reply? “We’ve never had an old man working at this shop.” I didn’t mention the particulars of WHY I was asking about the old man.
What did I learn from this experience? Well… I learned to NOT give copious amounts of money to anyone and everyone who asks. But perhaps more importantly, I learned that creativity is the key to reaching your goals as a communicator. I’ve been shaken down for 5 or 10 bucks by a common street hustler before, but it took a story of REAL CREATIVITY to pry 90 whole dollars from my hand! NOW THAT’S RESULTS! If you want results as a public speaker, you too will need to get very creative; although, I do advise that you skip the whole lying about your entire backstory technique. Stick to the facts! But GET CREATIVE! Here’s how:
Continue reading “THE FINE ART OF BREAKING YOUR BRAIN AND BECOMING A CHAMPION by Cody Dedon”
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?
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…
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!
You’ve qualified for NCFCA Nat’s….so now what?
If you have qualified for NCFCA Nationals and are thinking about how to prepare for that final competition of the season, then a prep group may be right for you. With Regionals now behind you and Nationals finally in sight, it’s important to carry your momentum from the season into that national tournament. This prep group outlined below is designed to examine the cases you will likely see at Nat’s, help you mentally prepare for the competition, and teach you how to build an effective narrative for both aff and neg.
What’s a narrative and why is it important?
The story behind your case is often the most important factor in deciding whether you will win or lose a round. If your judge walks out of the competition room with your narrative in mind, chances are you will pick up that ballot. Whether you are talking about a policy or a value, an effective narrative takes your case and connects it to a big idea. This big idea then becomes present throughout every aspect of your round to weave a cohesive narrative throughline.
How is this approach different from other prep groups?
This prep group will look a bit different from others offered because we will look at the big ideas and focus on analyzing and crafting narrative strategies. Our goal is not to search for evidence or write a bunch of briefs, but rather to focus on strategic narratives related to the cases you will likely hear at Nats. And prepare you to bring your most persuasive tool into nationals, Your Narrative.
Who will be leading the sessions?
This session will be led by Nathanael Kolssak, an NCFCA alum who has continued to coach and compete in speech & debate as a college student. Nathanael competed in NCFCA for seven years in nearly every speech & debate category. He achieved nationally ranked status in speech and debate in both high school and college, and is now a communications major, forensics competitor and assistant coach at Cedarville University. He continues to earn national awards in collegiate debate and has actively coached both Team policy and Lincoln Douglas this year. Nathanael’s approach to debate is idea-driven, as he is a staunch advocate for developing narratives that can captivate judges with a winning storyline.
Learning Objectives
● Identify the top cases expected at Nationals
● Learn what a good narrative looks like and how to build one
● Discuss which cases and strategies perform best in different regions
● Develop narrative strategies for aff and neg
● Build confidence for Nationals
These prep groups would be available for both TP and LD. Geared specifically for students, coaches… tell your students! Are you interested in joining a National Prep group? Contact Nathanael at nkolssak@gmail.com Tell your friends! Make this the best Nats yet!
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