Category: Online

Why a Human Script Assessment or Coaching Is Invaluable

Posted on by Heather Neumann

And Why AI Can’t Replace the Human Touch in Speech & Debate

Artificial intelligence has changed how students write. With the click of a button, speeches can be outlined, rewritten, polished, and refined. AI can be a helpful tool—but it is not a coach. And when it comes to script assessment, nothing replaces the insight of a human who understands people, performance, and purpose.

At Lasting Impact!, we believe technology should support growth, not replace mentorship. And while AI can assist in brainstorming or editing, it cannot fully understand what makes a speech connect. Did you know Lasting Impact! has live classes (Winter 2026 Clubs just started!) instructors, and coaching waiting to work personally with your competitor? Although AI can be a great tool, don’t let it replace the human touch! Continue reading about how to use AI and ways to connect with an audience…

Continue reading “Why a Human Script Assessment or Coaching Is Invaluable” →

Sign Up for Lasting Impact! Winter 2026 Online Debate Clubs

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Winter Debate Clubs at Lasting Impact! are designed to help students stay sharp, grow confident, and deepen their debate skills during their speech and debate season. These clubs provide structured instruction, guided practice, and meaningful feedback in a supportive community led by experienced, knowledgable coaches. Students will strengthen argumentation, critical thinking, and persuasive communication—skills that extend far beyond competition. Whether your student is brand new to debate or preparing for higher-level rounds, our Winter Online Debate Clubs offer a focused, encouraging environment where students from across the country learn, connect, and continue building skills that truly last. Here is the winter line up…

  • NEW! LD Socratic Circle with Anne and Caleb McClure
  • LD NCFCA with Ethan Tong
  • Moot Court Advocacy with Ethan Tong

Get the full descriptions in the SHOP! Want to learn more about what our NEW LD Socratic Circle is all about? Keep reading…

Continue reading “Sign Up for Lasting Impact! Winter 2026 Online Debate Clubs” →

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!

Sign Up for FREE Fall Apologetics Club – Starts TONIGHT!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Although most our clubs have started we are still happy to welcome a few more! Why not start with FREE Apologetics TONIGHT! That’s right we decided that we’re going to do something completely different for apol club this year.

We’re dropping discussion of the specific Speech and Debate Apol topics in favor of a broader, more holistic approach. In short: seminary crash course. This is not just for students, but it’s for anyone who’s interested… parents, siblings, even alumni. Register with the code PARENT2025. You can register here: https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23864/.

Here are some of the things we’ll discuss:

– Why is there so much overlap between Matthew, Mark, and Luke? How could they possibly remember word for word what Jesus said to them?

– When should we interpret Scriptures literally or figuratively? 

– Why do 1 & 2 Kings tell the exact same stories 1 & 2 Chronicles do?

– How do we deal with the transgenderism argument that some people are born “intersex,” with both genitalia?

– What is the point of including the minor prophets in Scripture?

– Where in the Bible does it say that women cannot be pastors, if the word “pastor” only shows up once?

And MANY other things. If you enjoyed last semester, this one will be even better.

This has been my project for the last two years while in school for seminary. Trying to distill important things you never hear about if you don’t go to seminary into a single semester-long course! This information you are bound to use in your Apologetics rounds, but more importantly life! I would love for any of you to join, again, even if you’re graduated. It’s for everyone—and it starts TODAY! Don’t miss out!

You can register here: https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23864/.

Ethan will be receiving his Masters of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary in December of 2025. He attended Hillsdale College, where he graduated in the top ten of his class. He has been a Lasting Impact! coach for over three years.

Discover Your Voice: Join Our Online Speech & Debate Clubs

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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!

Online Clubs Start After Labor Day – Sign Up NOW

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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

It’s not to late – Moot! (Camp TODAY and Aug 21)

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Moot Court might seem intimidating, but it is genuinely one of the best activities you can do! 

Not only is it the best academic exercise, but it’s also extraordinarily fun to be able to converse with your judge as part of the competition! Competitors year after year say that Moot Court is the most underrated public speaking event.

Some people are on the fence about competing in Moot Court this year. Maybe there are questions about whether the time commitment is worth it, or whether you’ll enjoy the event. Maybe you have college classes or work or sports. Or college applications!

One excellent way to learn more—about the time commitment, the material, or the event itself—is through online Moot Court camps, which are hosted right here at Lasting Impact. We’re confident you’ll love it—but there’s no commitment. You can join and decide it’s not for you. We’ve priced the camp at a low cost so that you can join just to learn more (you can come for just $50 with the code found at the end of this webinar: https://youtu.be/RBI7cgylIi8).

We help you get a fast start on Moot—giving you time with the case (multiple sessions), teaching you the basics of reading cases, answering questions, and how to write your cases.

You can find the registration below. One starts tomorrow (registration still open); the other starts August 21 & 23. Sign up HERE

https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/online-camps

Why Moot? By: Ethan Tong

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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. 

Continue reading “Why Moot? By: Ethan Tong” →

Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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?” →

Summer Prep with Lasting Impact!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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!

  1. Coaching – Have you seen our line up of qualified coaches? Do you want to get a jump start on your season? Schedule a Mental Prep Session. Coaching isn’t just for students either! Did you know we help create syllabus’ for clubs, meet with parents, and coach specific tracks for clubs? Check out COACHING here.
  2. Camps – Like I said we are one camp down, and about a dozen more to go! Lasting Impact! Coaches are traveling nation-wide again to help inspire students (and parents) on the power of communication! Talk to Heather (heather@lastingimpact.info) on more information on hiring a Lasting Impact! Coach. We even offer Online Camps this summer (and they will be recorded)! Moot, TP, LD, and Jump Start Speech… what more could you ask for!?
  3. Speech and Debate Materials – We have AMAZING products! If you haven’t been to the SHOP in a while… go there NOW!
  4. Sourcebooks – Our Debate Guidebooks and Sourcebooks are the BEST! We spend hundreds of hours putting together a product you will want to dig into! And did you know, we created a Summer Prep TP Source just for our NCFCA friends! Great for easy early research or camp!
  5. Don’t forget to sign up for Fall 2025 Clubs/Classes! More will be added this summer… but be sure to check out some of our standards- Online LD, Speech 101, Speech 102, Interpretation Club, Online Apol, Extemporaneous Roundtable and more!

Lasting Impact! is gearing up for the best summer and season ever! We hope you join us!

Reformation of Thought: A History of Philosophy (Class Offering) by: Charis Baker

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Western Civilization is in the midst of a crisis. You are living in the midst of one of the great ideological battles in history. Whether you want to be a better debater, increase your ability to defend your faith, or become a more well-rounded individual, you must know and be able to articulate the truth. 

How can you stand firm in truth if you don’t know where the battle lines of ideas are drawn?

This fall, Lasting Impact! is partnering with Speaking with Grace and Charis Baker. She is offering an 8-week live class for high schoolers who want to achieve these exact goals. We’ll read, write on, and discuss Dr. Glenn Martin’s comprehensive overview of the thoughts that have shaped Western philosophy: Prevailing Worldviews of Western Society Since 1500. Join Charis Baker to better identify and defend your beliefs and understand the history of philosophy. Continue reading for a glimpse into the questions and ideas we’ll be examining….

Continue reading “Reformation of Thought: A History of Philosophy (Class Offering) by: Charis Baker” →

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!