Process: From Brainstorming an Idea to Final Speech Topic

Choosing a speech topic doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you don’t need the “perfect” idea right away. Instead, think of it as a step-by-step journey. Start wide with brainstorming (I do this activity with my students in club, camps, and even one on one coaching calls AND its a WORKSHEET in my Grab and Go Speech Lesson Plans)! The list of ideas gradually narrows and refines your until you land on one that excites you and passes the I-Test. Along the way, you’ll filter out weaker options, gather feedback, and shape your topic into something clear, focused, and powerful. By the end of this process, you’ll have more than just a topic—you’ll have a strong foundation for a memorable and impactful speech. Continue reading the process...

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Choosing a Speech Topic – Does it pass the I-Test? (it’s NEW and IMPROVED)

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!

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Navigating the Sea of Speech Topics

Hey there, fellow speech enthusiasts! Ahoy! You might be wondering why I sound like a sailor navigating the high seas. Well, embarking on your speech journey in Speech and Debate is not so different from setting sail. And one of the places we can find ourselves lost in the sea is when we are asked to choose a topic! So how do you find the perfect wind to carry your ship (or in this case, your speech) forward…

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Platform Checklist

If you have ever spent hours writing a speech only to have it be wordy, factual, or even like an essay, this platform checklist is for YOU!  It can be tricky to clearly and concisely convey your points in an exciting way without the so-called “meat”, main points, or the body of your speech being lost. Heather Neumann has created step-by-step guide (and the worksheet/handout is even included in the Speech Grab and Go Guide - HERE), you’ll not only be checking off each box but wowing your audience and judges! Heather has taught and coached thousands of students, including Ted Talk speakers, she knows what a good speech looks like and how to keep the audience’s attention! Perhaps going through this list you will realize what your speech is missing…

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Going Digital AND Persuasive Speaking – for Speech and Beyond

This week starts our series of Workshop Wednesdays!! An opportunity for you to grow and dig deeper into some of speech and debate categories. One of our fabulous coaches, Isabelle Clausen, will kick our week off with Digital Design – a great overview of how to make your speeches digital for Digital Presentation or Expository. Next, she will explore Persuasive Speaking. Not quite sure you want to sign up? Isabelle will give you the reasons to try these Platform Speech Categories…

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The Power of Persuasion – Workshop Sunday!!

per·sua·sive
pərˈswāsiv, pərˈswāziv
adjective

Definition- good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.

“an informative and persuasive speech”

synonyms: convincing, cogent, compelling, potent, forceful, powerful, impactful, eloquent, impressive, influential, sound, valid, strong, effective, winning, telling;

Being a good communicator, MUST include understanding the Art of Persuasion. Did you read all those synonyms for the word “Persuasion”? Now, who doesn’t want to do that?? I have heard it said that EVERY speech has elements of persuasion. And I believe that! In our life, we use persuasion daily. You see, persuasion is not just a tool for speech and debate students. It is a skill for life. The way you present yourself or your ideas can affect whether you get an A on a verbal exam, get out of a speeding ticket, or what to have for dinner. And that was just yesterday!!

You see, our role as good communicators is to persuade others to understand our viewpoint (and hopefully they will agree with you). This is a life skill, not only for those selling a product, but for anyone relaying information. Knowing how to convince people of your perspective is an asset for life. Can you imagine the positive outcomes?

Here is what Isabelle Clausen had to say about her Persuasive Workshop this Sunday 10/14 at 7:00pm CT…

Have you ever gotten into an argument with your mom and wanted to learn how to convince her that she was wrong and you were right? Or have you ever gotten into a debate with your sister about who is the favorite child, and you wanted to convince her that you are, and always will be, the favorite?

Well, I can’t promise you that I’ll be able to help you win arguments with your family members, but I can guarantee that I’ll be able to help you learn the art of persuasion for speech and debate. Not only will you learn how to be persuasive and use the primary tools of rhetoric within speech and debate, but you will also learn how to use these skills in your everyday life (of course excluding debates with your mother!?).

Persuasion isn’t just about how you write out certain arguments; rather, a primary part of it is how you introduce the arguments, what tone of voice you have, and what kind of conversational hand gestures you use.

At my workshop, I will teach you the basics of how to write a persuasive thesis statement, how to carry that statement through your points, and how to challenge your judges to take part in your call to action. Likewise, I will also teach you how to apply persuasive rhetoric in your daily life, such as at school/co-op, with your friends, in your future career, and as you witness about Jesus Christ!

I can’t wait to see you at my workshop this next Sunday, October 14th, at 7:00 PM CT time!

To sign up CLICK HERE.

Perspective on your Persuasive

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Being persuasive is an art. When writing persuasively, it is important to explain your thoughts clearly and make sure you have your thoughts supported by facts. I believe that the Persuasive Speech category is one of the most difficult to master. Here are my reasons why, and what you can do to master this speech...

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