Category: Interp

Hands That Speak: Ideas to Help Create Natural, Effective Hand Gestures

Posted on by Heather Neumann

One of the most common pieces of feedback students receive in Speech and Debate is about hand gestures: too stiff, too distracting, too much, or not enough. While gestures can feel awkward at first, when used well, they become one of the most powerful tools a speaker has.

The goal isn’t perfect choreography. The goal is natural communication.

Hand gestures should support meaning—not compete with it. Remember, hand gestures can help grab your audience’s attention or also give them a VISUAL CLUE as to what you are trying to say. They are a big deal to helping you effectively communicate your thoughts, but they can also distract!! What can you do? Read on to hear Heather’s tips on how to create meaningful hand gestures that aren’t over-the-top, yet still have an IMPACT!…

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Oratorical Thematic: Finding Truth Through the Voices of Others

Posted on by Heather Neumann

An Oratorical Speech category has come and go throughout the years. Leagues see the value of looking at other speeches, whether the presenter is famous or not. Lasting Impact! has written several articles on the subject throughout the years, which you can find by typing the word “oratorical” in our search button on the right hand side. Or go HERE. NCFCA is introducing Oratorical Thematic this year. This is an exciting and meaningful speech event that invites students to do something powerful: to discover a unifying theme and bring it to life through the published words of others.

Rather than writing an original speech, students curate, select, and perform excerpts from existing speeches, weaving them together to explore a big idea – think Interpretive Thematic or Biblical Thematic. It’s an event rooted in research, interpretation, creativity, and purpose—and one that rewards thoughtful storytelling and clarity.

For students who love ideas, history, rhetoric, and performance, Oratorical Thematic offers a unique opportunity to communicate truth through voices that have already shaped the world. Or maybe you are looking for something different- an old/new category that isn’t super difficult to breakdown. Intrigued?? Read on…

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Partnering with NCFCA: Uncovering or Discovering New Speech Categories! Webinar TODAY!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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!

FREE PRINTING OFFER!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Heading to the NCFCA National Championship? Want to purchase and pick up printed materials and have them waiting for you? From now – May 24 until June 1, 2025, purchase one of our SPEECH Ebooks, and have them printed for FREE! Items must be picked up at Nats! Items will not be shipped! Did you know Lasting Impact! has numerous Speech Resources! The free printing offer includes…

  • Speech Games and Ice Breakers
  • The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech
  • Grab and Go Speech Lesson Plans
  • Seek Him First (Speech and Debate Devotional)
  • Vol. 1 and 2 – Tips, Advice, and Encouragement for your Speech Journey
  • Guide to Limited Prep

To receive your FREE printing, simply purchase the books and write PRINT in the comments. This free printing offer does not include Debate Books, Sourcebooks, Activity Cards, or Public Speaking For Kids. Head to the SHOP now, and don’t miss this incredible offer! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/books/

An Original Start for Your Original Interpretation by: Serenity Spada

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Twelve years ago, Seven-year-old Serenity mindlessly walked around at her first official Speech and Debate Tournament. Here, I was exposed to interp speeches that exploded my little brain. I watched with awe at the phenomenal acting skills, blocking, and characterization and quickly fell in love and couldn’t wait to begin myself. So, I wrote and performed my first interp speech, which was adorable for a six-year-old. But then something extremely unfortunate happened—I grew up, and twelve-year-old Serenity could no longer hide behind her cuteness. I was abruptly thrown into a new type of competition that required a much higher level of acting, writing, and blocking. After eleven years of writing and competing in interp speeches, I have learned many lessons that have improved my skills over the years. I wanted to share some of the first steps you would need to take as you start writing your own Original Interpretation…

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Understanding New Speech Categories: Specifically Biblical Thematic

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As competitive speech evolves, new categories are introduced to challenge competitors and enrich the repertoire of performance styles. Back in 2016, NCFCA created a new category geared to using a prop and the Bible. Versions of the category stuck, and I don’t think it’s going to go away because of the specific benefits you can gain by competing in it. 

Stoa also created a new category in 2023 called Interp in a Box. They have since retired the category, however those that got to partake in it learned a great deal. You see, new categories bring forth fresh dynamics and specific rules that participants must master. So let’s explore how to tackle new categories, detailing their rules, objectives, and strategies for understanding the benefits of exploring a different type of Interp… Read on OR SIGN UP FOR INTERP CLUB - https://lastingimpact.info/product/club22492/ Uncover all of the benefits, mysteries, and JOYS of Interpretive Speech!

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Dramatic Interpretation: A Journey into the Depths of Emotion

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Dramatic Interpretation stands as one of the most emotionally charged and profoundly impactful categories in competitive speech. It requires competitors to delve into complex characters and narratives, often exploring themes of conflict, tragedy, and human resilience. Dramatic Interp is not just about death and dying! This category not only showcases a speaker's ability to interpret and convey intense emotions but also their skill in bringing to life the subtleties and depths of human experience. In some leagues they don’t have Dramatic Interp, so you can apply this article to Open Interp, or a dramatic duo! Really this article is how to dig deeper…

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Unlocking the Power of Interpretive Speeches

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Is this your year to try an interpretive speech? It’s not too late to jump in! Not sure where to begin or want to get on a FAST TRACK? Join me and Mrs. D for Fast Track Interp. We will be your very own guides through the World of Interp. Sign up now! Or keep reading this article on WHY you need to add an interpretive speech to your high school speech and debate career!

You might be wondering, "Why on earth should we care about these speeches?" Well, you're in for a treat because interpretive speaking isn't just another high school requirement – it's a valuable skill that can benefit you in countless ways. So, let's break it down and discover why interpretive speeches are worth your time and effort.

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Interp 101 – Why Interpretive Speech

Posted on by Heather Neumann

For the second year in a row we will be offering Intro to Interpretive Speech (Tuesdays at noon CT). Why!? Because there is a HUGE NEED for students to understand PEOPLE! The Art of Communication isn’t just standing up reciting a speech or debating… it’s about understanding who we are, where are coming from, what we have been through, and so much more. My interpretive/drama students learn this by exploring literature, the stage, characters, settings, scenes, etc. If you have been on the fence about trying out an interpretive speech or want to learn how to get better at it… this is the class/club for you! Instructors, Heather Neumann and Lynda DePasacreta can’t wait to explore the Interpretive Speech Events such as Open, Duo, Humorous, Dramatic, Biblical, and/or Original. You will learn how to pick the right piece of you, how to grow as a character, understanding characters, how to cut a piece, making sure you know what you want to say in an introduction and/or conclusion, and so much more. Together this dynamic duo have coached thousands of students, including National Champions. If you want to become a better speaker in ANY type of speech… add an Interp and sign up NOW! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15243/

The Exploratory Stage – Choosing a Topic by: Alaina Hoyt

Posted on by Heather Neumann


Whether taking a High School Speech class or preparing to compete in Nationals, choosing the right speech topic can seem daunting. Topic possibilities are endless, ranging from persuasive platforms to abstract interps! The thousands of choices swirling like a storm through your mind or scribbled on your notes may make your head spin, but they don’t have to. Using these principles will provide you with a step-by-step map for any situation, always resulting in the same destination: success. Don’t allow yourself to rush through or be intimidated by, what Heather Neumann calls, The Exploratory Stage…

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Don’t Be Afraid To Think Outside of the Box by Emalyn Sharp

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The season for contemplating speech topics is upon us, and as camps, clubs, and the start of a new year of Speech and Debate competition approaches, one dreaded question will swirl amongst them all. 

What are you giving a speech on?

Continue reading “Don’t Be Afraid To Think Outside of the Box by Emalyn Sharp” →

Help! I don’t know how to judge an Interp speech!

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

I am actually privy to this sentiment fairly often.  Parents mostly know what they like best when they watch interps.  They might even know why they liked it best over some other interp. But they want to know how to say that articulately to the students on the ballot.  The point of this post is NOT to tell you what should rank higher than something else but to help you identify the bits and pieces that are part of any interp…bits and pieces that you can talk about from your own perspective on your ballots, giving students bits and pieces they can actually work on after the tournament. I was recently in a club meeting where the leader asked the students to share the most helpful comment they had received on a ballot.  The students struggled to find one.  I want students to have LOTS of helpful, useable things.  Things they can take to club and say, “can someone show me how to ___________?” Or “can someone help me change ___________?”  I want things filling in those blanks for our kids!

So here goes….How DO you look at an interp speech?

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