Category: Platform

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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The Power of Being Compelling in Speech and Debate

Posted on by Heather Neumann

What makes one speaker unforgettable while another is easily forgotten? What turns a simple argument into a persuasive force that moves judges, stirs emotions, and changes minds? What makes you want to listen, tune out the rest of the world? If you have ever heard my friend, owner/founder of IEW, Andrew Pudewa… there is a word that comes to mind. He’s a fabulous speaker!

The answer is one powerful word: compelling. In speech and debate, some speakers are clear. Others are confident. A few are even memorable. But the ones who win rounds, move audiences, and leave a lasting impact? Those speakers are compelling.

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Process: From Brainstorming an Idea to Final Speech Topic

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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)

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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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Second Semester Clubs Are About to Begin! SIGN UP NOW!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We are in full gear of the 2024 Tournament Season! Are you reading those ballots and feeling like you just need a little more push, edge, or inspiration!? Join a Lasting Impact! Club for all of the above, including GROWTH and fellowship! Second Semester Clubs are geared for the competition! Our coaches are actively involved in tournaments, judging, watching, understanding the elements of Speech and Debate, and what trends are trending. Are you looking for a little more this season? Sign up for one or more of the club below…

  • Speech 102 – Heather Neumann , along with public speaking pros, will be helping students take a deeper dive into their speeches. Students will practice and hone their speeches and receive feedback.
  • FAST TRACK – Interp – A six week course on quickly on creating a piece. There’s no reason not to jump into an interpretive speech this season! Why not start NOW!
  • LD Strategies – Ethan Tong will lead students deeper through the NCFCA resolution. This will be the place to be for extra practice, analysis, and growth!
  • Limited Prep Club – This eight week course with Honor Hoffmann will help you navigate the limited prep events – Apologetics, Extemporaneous, and Impromptu Speaking. These three events take practice! And typically more than just at a tournament! Come gain insight into these valuable events!

All clubs will be recorded, if you can’t make it. But as always, you will get the most out of being present! Tell your friends! Head to the SHOP and sign up NOW! Looking for more individual growth? Sign up for a one on one Coaching Session or a Script Assessment HERE. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Navigating the Sea of Speech Topics

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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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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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How To Decide? Selling Your Speech Topic Idea

Posted on by Heather Neumann

You have probably heard me before talk about this part of your Speech and Debate Journey… welcome to the Exploratory Phase - the time when you should be exploring ideas, options, cases, even books (please tell me you aren’t only using a search engine)! Honestly, this is one of my favorite times - I have stacks of books scattered around my house, coaching appointments are made up “idea generating sessions”, the TV, radio, newspaper could give me a lead on the next best idea! So why is it that so many people struggle with this Phase!!?

While you are in the Exploratory Phase… you need to do just that - EXPLORE! How else are you going to decide what you want to talk about for the next 4-10 months (you think I am over exaggerating, but I’m not). In order for you to make progress… you actually have to put in the work! Here, I’ll help- I will break it down in a little check list for you to decide if you will be able to sell your idea to your future audience…

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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?

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Platform Preparation Tips for Clubs

Posted on by Kristi Eskelund

            This week a friend called.  She needed some ideas for her club kids who are working on platforms. They’ve discussed having a thesis.  They are writing, but there is not a lot beyond that to do with those speeches during club meetings right now.  Here are the ideas I shared with her to help kids build platform skills before they have a platform speech prepared:

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