Thoughts from the comically small college dorm desk of one of the Lasting Impact coaches:
You can’t just rely on charm in speech and debate.
Trust me, I’ve tried.
There is no secret trick to winning tournaments, there is no special sauce in connecting with a judge, there is no proprietary speech structure that magically makes your topic comprehensible. As boring and cliched as it sounds, the only way to ensure steady growth and consistency in the competition room is practice. Practice makes perfect.
There is something exciting about the beginning of a new speech and debate season… Across the country, clubs are kicking off. Leagues are launching their new seasons, new events, new rules, resolutions are being discussed, script ideas are being tested, club leaders are gearing up- adding tools to their toolbox, and students are starting to imagine what this year could hold…
A new season means new OPPORTUNITIES!!
Maybe this is your very first year in speech and debate. Maybe you are coming back determined to finally break into outrounds. Maybe you want to try a new event, becoming a stronger speaker. Maybe you want to qualify to Nationals. Maybe you want to make new friends, or simply grow in confidence. Whatever your goals are… right now is an important time to think about what you want from your season… what opportunities are you going to look for?
Our Extemp Roundtable isn’t just another class. It’s an interactive workshop that begins tomorrow (and there’s still time to sign up) where students will learn how to:
Research efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
Build a clear speech in just 20 minutes.
Use their notecard strategically.
Develop introductions and conclusions that capture attention.
Deliver with confidence instead of panic.
Whether you’re brand new to Extemp, in any league, or looking to take your speeches to the next level, this Extemp Roundtable Campwill prepare you for the season ahead! Still not sure about Extemp… read on…
Why Extemp is One of the Most Valuable Events
Unlike other speech categories, extemp requires that students stay informed about the world around them and speak confidently about domestic and international issues without reading a script. Those are skills they’ll use in college, careers, ministry, and everyday conversations.
Coach Andrew Formo encourages all students to try extemp, even those who don’t love politics, because it helps you practice both your speaking and research skills. Andrew argues that extemp is a unique category that blends smooth delivery, off the cuff speaking, and deeply researched content in a way that “doesn’t get stale.” Extemp is never the same speech twice, and it forces you to combine the content you find in debate or platform speaking with the quick thinking of a limited prep.
Real World Applications
Extemp club will actually begin this week, July 16, at 7pm CST, because Coach Andrew received an invitation to join a political event last week, in which students from all 50 states and all US territories gathered in Washington, D.C. Students had the opportunity to question a panel of experts on a subject and discuss political issues as a group, with the goal of creating bipartisan agreement.
Reflecting on the event, Andrew felt that his time spent competing in extemp had prepared him well to participate. He noted that, because extemp requires you to research many different issues and prepare deep analysis, “I was able to bring insights from those speeches into discussions at this event.”
Extemporaneous Speaking teaches competitors to gather information quickly, think critically, organize their thoughts, and communicate with confidence- all under pressure. Those aren’t just speech skills… they’re life skills. Join us for Extemp Roundtable to learn strategies for success in this category.
One of the greatest gifts we can give our students isn’t simply another speech or another trophy- it’s preparation. When students learn to think deeply, communicate truth clearly, and serve others with their words, they’re developing skills that will last far beyond a single tournament.
Summer is the perfect time to begin that work!! Without the pressure of weekly tournaments, students and coaches have the opportunity to learn new skills, explore new events, and build a strong foundation for the season ahead. The time invested now often becomes the confidence they carry into competition later.
That’s why we’ve put together several opportunities to help you prepare, grow, and head into this year with confidence!
50% OFF Select Lasting Impact! eBooks
For a limited time, we’re offering 50% off select eBooks, including some of our most popular resources!
Speech Grab and Go Need a jumpstart? Speech Grab and Go is filled with ready-to-use speech ideas, lessons, and inspiration to help coaches and students move from “I don’t know what to do” to confidently preparing speeches.
The Ultimate Interp Guide Whether you’re brand new to interpretation events or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide walks students through choosing literature, developing characters, creating meaningful blocking, and connecting with an audience. It’s one of our favorite resources because it teaches students to tell stories that truly matter.
Lasting Impact!’s Guide to Limited Prep Limited Prep events can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be! This guide is packed with practical instruction and proven strategies to help students think critically, organize ideas quickly, and communicate with confidence when the clock is ticking.
If you’ve been thinking about adding these resources to your coaching toolbox, now is the perfect time! Lasting Impact! Members receive this 50% discount all month long.
Extemp Roundtable Begins Next Week!
If your student is planning to compete in Extemporaneous Speaking this season, there’s still time to join our Extemp Roundtable!
This interactive experience is designed to prepare students for one of speech and debate’s most challenging limited prep categories. Together, we’ll learn:
How to research effectively
How to structure a compelling extemp speech
How to make the most of that single notecard
How to deliver with confidence and leave a lasting impact on the judge long after the round is over
Whether your student is new to Extemp or looking to strengthen their skills, we’d love to have you join us!
Join Us on July 14!
We’re also excited to invite you to two FREE online events designed to encourage and equip your family for the upcoming season.
7:00 PM – Tackling New Speech Events
Are the new speech events leaving you with questions? Wondering how to approach events like After Dinner Speaking and some of the other additions this season or an event new to you?
We’ll discuss practical strategies, event expectations, brainstorming ideas, and ways to confidently coach these new categories. Whether you’re a veteran coach or just getting started, you’ll leave with ideas you can begin using right away.
8:00 PM – Coaches Social
After the webinar, stick around for our Coaches Social!
Coaching can sometimes feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. This is a relaxed time to connect with other coaches, ask questions, share ideas, celebrate victories, and find fresh motivation as we prepare for another incredible year of speech and debate.
Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement from people who understand the journey.
Speech and Debate is about so much more than tournaments and trophies. It’s about helping young people become thoughtful communicators, courageous leaders, and faithful ambassadors for Christ wherever God calls them.
We hope you’ll take advantage of these opportunities to invest in your students- and in yourself as a coach. Whether it’s picking up a new resource, joining the Extemp Roundtable, or connecting with other coaches on July 14, every small step you take today can have a lasting impact for years to come.
We can’t wait to learn, grow, and prepare with you this season!
Every speech and debate season brings excitement, anticipation, and one big question:
“What event should I do this year?”
For many students, Interpretation Events can feel intimidating at first. Multiple characters. Cutting literature. Blocking. Voices. Emotions. Scripts. Where does one begin?? It can seem overwhelming. But for those willing to dive in, Interpretation events often become some of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in all of speech and debate.
Interp isn’t simply about acting… It’s about storytelling! And do you know who can benefit from being a better STORYTELLER?? EVERYONE!! Speech Students AND DEBATERS! Read on to learn more about the power of Interps and Storytelling OR SIGN UP for our FREE July 14 Webinars… contact Heather@lastingimpact.info to get on the list (more info about them below).
Every speech and debate season brings something new. Sometimes it’s an entirely new event!! Other times it’s a rule change, a revised event description, or an updated ballot. For many competitors (and coaches!!), these changes can feel overwhelming at first. Where do you start? How do you know what judges are really looking for? How can you make your speech stand out? Do you sit this season out to let someone else show you what a new even can look like- NO WAY!! Sign up for an inspirational, informational webinare on July 14 (more information below) or read on for some expert tips…
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...
You need to be a member to view this content. Please sign up or login.
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…
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:
The unique value of each event and how they can shape well-rounded communicators
A review of the rules and structure for both categories
Inspiration for impactful themes and primary sources to help students craft meaningful speeches
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!
You need to be a member to view this content. Please sign up or login.
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:
Speech 101 & Speech 102 – Perfect for beginners and those looking to polish foundational skills. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling speech, use your voice effectively, and engage any audience. These classes build confidence, structure, and technique—essential skills whether you’re speaking in class or preparing for competition.
Apol Club with Ethan Tong – Dive into the world of Apologetics and sharpen your ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and defend ideas with clarity. This club encourages intellectual curiosity and the confidence to present complex ideas in a thoughtful way. And in case you haven’t heard – it’s FREE!
Fall LD Club with Ethan Tong – Lincoln-Douglas debate is all about persuasion, evidence, and ethics. In this multi-week club, students will analyze cases, practice argumentation, and learn strategies that make them compelling speakers and sharp thinkers.
Moot Court Caselaw Club with Ethan Tong – Step into the courtroom in this exciting exploration of legal reasoning and argumentation. Students will review real cases, prepare briefs, and practice delivering oral arguments—developing skills in logic, rhetoric, and critical thinking that go far beyond the debate stage.
Extemp Club with Roman Hogancamp – Learn to think on your feet in current events extemporaneous speaking. This club teaches students how to quickly analyze topics, organize their thoughts, and present concise, persuasive speeches—all while staying informed and confident.
Interp / Drama Club – Explore storytelling, performance, and character interpretation. Students will work on monologues, scenes, and interpretive pieces, enhancing voice, body language, and emotional impact in both performance and competitive settings.
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
You must be logged in to post a comment.