Category: Services

NEW!! Online Tournament Announcement!!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! is excited to announce we are going to run another Online Tournament… a Speech AND Debate Tournament!! For the first time (that we know of) speech will be offered online! We are calling it…

Parli and Platforms – Trailblazers Tournament

June 5-6, 2020

Blazing a trail of new experiences for Online Tournaments through Parliamentary Debate and Platform Speeches to leave a Lasting Impact! ? Come explore Parli – which will include 4 preliminary round resolutions centered around on the NEW 2020-21 Stoa/NCFCA resolutions!

Bring a Platform Speech (or possibly two)!! This could include – Persuasive, Original Oratory/Informative, Visual Presentation, Oratorical Examination, Biographical, and AFTER DINNER!!

Dust off a platform speech from the past, write a new one, give your favorite, or finish this year’s speech with a bang and experience your SPEECH in an online event!! Even if Platform Speeches aren’t your thing… give it a try! You might like it! In addition to being a great learning experience, this is a great way to connect. Kids all over the country come to compete, as well as connect, grow, and have fun! Remember, practicing to compete and communicate online is an excellent skill to add to your tool box! Besides, we fully plan on offering more tournaments… this is fantastic practice! It’s only a matter of time before we offer Limited Prep and Interp! It is our goal to create a tournament-like experience.

This event is not in associated with any particular league.

No Parli Partner?? No problem! Contact heather@lastingimpact.info We will be putting together a spreadsheet.

No Parli Experience?? We will be offering a FREE 2 hr Parli Prep Workshop with registration. The Workshop will be May 16, and recorded.

Registration Begins Today at 4pm CT

www.impacttournaments.com

Cost – $35 for Debate (includes Parli Prep Workshop), $10 per Speech

Tournament Schedule (tentative, pending registrations, all times are CENTRAL)

Friday, June 5
9:30 Announcements/Devo
10:00 Parli Round 1
12:00 Speech Round 1
2:00 Parli Round 2
4:00 Platform Round 2
6:00 Parli Round 3
7:30 Parli Round 4

Saturday, June 6
9:30 Announcements/Devo
10:00 Speech Round 3
12:00 Parli Semi’s
2:00 Speech Finals
4:00 Parli Finals
6:00 Awards

More about Parliamentary Debate at The Trailblazers Tournament…

Preliminary rounds will be based on the 2020-21 Stoa and NCFCA resolutions. These will be non-strike rounds. The Parli Prompts will not be just re-wordings of the resolutions, but centered around the general topic. Strike rounds will be in Semi’s and Finals.

More about Platforms at The Trailblazers Tournament…

  • A Platform Speech is 8-10 minute speech meant to inform, inspire, motivate, or instruct.
  • Speeches may have been previously performed by competitors, as long as it was not performed AT a National Championship.
  • Speeches must be your own, original work.
  • No minimum duration.
  • Maximum of 10 minutes (speaker will set timepiece to 10 min, if speaker reaches 10 min., timer will beep and continue to go off, until they finish)
  • Competitors did not have to compete earlier this season, nor do they need to be affiliated with a league.

Please go to the site to learn more about the tournament and review the rules.

www.impacttournaments.com

We hope you will join us on this next excursion! Blaze the trail into new experiences!

Don’t forget, we will need judges. Even if you don’t have a competitor- we would love to have you join us! Create an account and let us know your availability. Volunteer for 1-2 hours, or more from the comfort of your own home. Tell your friends to giddy up! This will be a rootin’ tootin’ good time!

The Foundations of Apologetics: Why It’s Important to Start With the Basics by: Annie Rogers

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Tomorrow kicks off our Spring Quarter Classes – 5 weeks of coming together to grow, grow, GROW (and of course have some fun!!). Having a good foundation is essential in any endeavor. Annie Rogers will be teaching our Foundations of Apologetics Class, specifically geared for Speech and Debate students. She is about to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, and received her competency certification in Biblical Hebrew last December. She is excited to share the treasures she has learned with her students! To sign up, Click HERE… or continue reading about the importance of a solid foundation in Apologetics…

Continue reading “The Foundations of Apologetics: Why It’s Important to Start With the Basics by: Annie Rogers” →

How to Engage Younger Students in Speech and Debate

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I often get asked the questions… what age is best to start Speech and Debate, how do get my younger students engaged, what things can I do to help my child explore these areas? I love these questions!! I love working with students who think they will have no interest in Speech and Debate. Honestly, this is part of our jobs as Speech Coaches, Club Leaders, Teachers, and Mentors (and even parents). Over the next few weeks, we will be digging deeper on the subject of how to encourage growth for our children and students during these unique times…

Continue reading “How to Engage Younger Students in Speech and Debate” →

Club Leader/Coach Appreciation – 50% OFF

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Whether or not the speech and debate season ended for your clubs, this is the time of year that a lot of Club Leaders and Coaches tend to feel a little burned out. Lasting Impact! appreciates you and wants to help in the rejuvenation towards next year… there will be a next year, right? ?

Continue reading “Club Leader/Coach Appreciation – 50% OFF” →

Coping with loneliness… a devotional from Speech Club

Posted on by Heather Neumann

With the Speech and Debate Season ending abruptly, I felt the need to ask my students to reflect on what God has shown them this year (just like I did with the Senior Devotional Challenge). All of my online speech club students came up with amazing devotionals. I was blown away by what my students had learned, and how God spoke to them, encouraged them, and comforted them. The devo below stuck out to me, this too has been on my heart. My student allowed me to share it with you. Lasting Impact’s Spring Quarter starts next week. If you have a student that longs for connection, I encourage you to check out our class list. Each of these classes are community. Do not let finances hinder. Contact us, if aide is needed. Now more than ever our students need a sense of belonging. Classes are online, only 5 weeks long, and for ages 10-18. Click HERE for more info… to be encouraged keep reading…

Continue reading “Coping with loneliness… a devotional from Speech Club” →

New! Spring Quarter Classes – Sign Up NOW!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The Lasting Impact! Spring Quarter is right around the corner… why not get a jump start on next season? Join Lasting Impact! and these awesome instructors as they dig deeper into the elements of communication. Spring Quarter begins the week of April 20, and goes for five weeks. Sign up for any of these classes HERE. Members receive $15 off each class! Membership is only $35 for a fiscal year. Now is the time to begin your membership! Summer Online Camps are just around the corner! Be sure you SUBSCRIBE to our blog to get the latest emails, deals, discounts, and to be a part of an online community.

Spring Quarter Classes –

Interpretive Speech with Kristi Eskelund and Heather Neumann

WHEN: April 28, 29, 30, 2020
12:00 – 2:00 CT

Join Heather and Kristi TOGETHER as they explore the world of Interp. Learn what it takes to put together and perform an awesome Interpretive Speech – Open, Dramatic, Humorous, Biblical, and Duo. The information students gather here will propel them into world of Interp for years to come!

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Biblical Thematic with Heather Neumann

WHEN: Wednesdays (starting Apr 22), 9:00-10:00am CT

Learn the art of Biblical Thematic. Thinking about your theme, the elements of interp, as well as narrative, and platform speaking. Students will have a speech ready to go, and will practice performing. Even if they don’t use the piece they created next season they will know the steps they need to take to develop a great Biblical Thematic.

COST: $50 members/$65 nonmembers

Fractured Fairy Tale Camp with Julie Romeo

WHEN: Thursdays (starting Apr 23), 10:00-11:00am CT

Julie Romeo (Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development summer faculty) is offering her fun, highly interactive enrichment course for ages 10-14…

ORDER IN THE COURT; The Law Through Fairy Tale Trials

Explore the moral dilemmas at the core of classic fairy tales through law, literature, and theater. Is Jack the Giantkiller guilty of first degree murder? Does Rumplestiltskin deserve a pile of gold for breach of contract? An extraordinary mix of listening, speaking and writing activities prepares you to take on the roles of lawyer, witness, judge and juror. Develop skills in oral argument, moral reasoning, and conflict resolution as you become part of the final jury deliberation for each case.

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Foundations of Apologetics with Annie Rogers

WHEN: Tuesday Evenings (starting Apr 21), 4:00-5:00pm CT

Over the five weeks, we will discuss the different approaches to Apologetics, and then go over four topics that serve as the bedrock for apol: the Trinity, the person and nature of Jesus Christ, Sin, and Biblical
criticism. These seminars will go over a variety of approaches to
understanding these topics using historical and systematic theology,
and, more importantly, will give students of all ages a clear and
simple starting point for research and preparation.

Annie is about to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies, and received her competency certification in Biblical Hebrew last December. She is excited to share the treasures she has learned with her students!

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Foundations of Debate with Annie Rogers

WHEN: Monday Evenings (starting Apr 20), 5:00-6:00pm CT

Want to participate in debate, but not sure where to start? Annie
Rogers is offering a 5 week introductory course on the foundations of
debate. Over the course of five weeks, Annie will go over basic
argumentation structure, how to analyze and understand different types
of motions, and offer an overview of the three different types of
debate – Team Policy, Lincoln Douglas, and Parli. If you or your student feels intimidated by debate, this is the course for you!

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

Writing like Churchill with Tink Heinsoln

WHEN: Thursdays (starting Apr 23), 5:00-6:30pm CT

Students will need to have access to information through online search tools. Parents will need to help them access quality information that students can use for the content of their research. Students will also need a one subject notebook/composition book. They will keep all of their notes, research, vocabulary, and writing in one place. Classes will be recorded for coaching purposes but not distributed to the public.

Winston Churchill was not an excellent student in his young school boy years. He preferred to play with toys and only do those enjoyable activities he found pleasant…reasonable for a 7 year old being sent to boarding school. Despite his disposition against education he became a well spoken statesman, leading the people to live with courage as war ravaged the world.

This class is meant to embolden students to explore the idea that they are leaders in training and to practice the art of rhetoric by studying orations by Churchill. The learning culminates with a written and performed 7-10 minute speech after 5 weeks. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

COST: $60 members/$75 nonmembers

We look forward to seeing you this Spring Quarter! Sign Up HERE

Your Speech and Debate Season Does Not Have To Be Over

Posted on by Heather Neumann

With the Speech and Debate seasons canceled, it is understandable that there are a variety of feelings. There are also a variety of people who are dealing with the ramifications of season ending.

Those Who Have Moved On… There are going to be some students that are now looking toward their future. There are a lot of seniors that fall into this category. They no longer need to research, make briefs, edit speeches, etc. This is not the way they envisioned the end of their end of their speech and debate careers. I have seen much disappointment, but I have also seen poise, grace, and determination for what the Lord has in store for them next. For those who have moved on, remember, just because this season has ended, your journey is just beginning! High School Speech and Debate is one drop in your bucket.

Those Who Still Want to Compete… For many competitors, they are longing for more. The thought of throwing in the towel or moving on, when it is only April does not seem acceptable. Lasting Impact! is excited to offer ideas of ways to continue to grow your skills!

What’s Next? Just because the leagues aren’t offering tournament opportunities, doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to grow your skills and continue to enhance your skills. Lasting Impact! has been connecting students, parents, coaches, and clubs for almost four years. Whether you look to us, to make us a part of your journey or find places to grow your skills- the point is to continue to grow!

Online Tournaments – These opportunities are popping up! Lasting Impact! is excited to announce we are developing our own!! I know one of the primary reasons for tournaments is to be together, the sense of community. Lasting Impact! Tournaments will be no different! I told myself if this can’t look like a tournament, I am not interested. Therefore, that is what we aim to create! We will be running a small prototype Debate Tournament in April with others to follow. This will not just stop at Debate Tournaments, this will make way for Speech Tournaments, as well. Perhaps, one day Apologetics Tournaments for students all over the country? We are excited for what the Lord is doing. This will not only answer the call for this season, but for our online camps, practice tournaments, as well as next season. These online tournaments will offer new experiences. It’s an exciting time! More info. coming soon!

Online Classes – Through the years we have provided many online classes. We will be rolling out a Spring, Summer, and Fall schedule.

Online Workshops – Coming in April, all our Workshops will be FREE! Schedule coming out soon! Workshops such as…
– Intro to Foreign Policy
– Building Your Club
– Is LD or TP Right for Me?
– Using Humor

Online Clubs – Our second semester clubs are almost over. It has been a fabulous year! Over 100 students were a part of Lasting Impact! Clubs. Some students joined because they wanted a community to grow with, their area didn’t have a Speech or Debate Club. Some students used Lasting Impact! as a supplement. Whatever the case might be, you are welcome! Enrollment in Fall Clubs are just around the corner.

Online Camps – Dates are getting set. We are planning a full summer!! Please reach out to us if you are looking for your club to host camp, whether it be in person or online.

Share Your Speeches – Just because you don’t have a tournament to compete in, doesn’t mean you can’t share your speech! Find ways to bless others! Lasting Impact! is always looking for more speeches to put in their video gallery! Contact us, if you have a speech you want to share!

Lasting Impact! is a resource that comes alongside students, coaches, parents, and clubs to provide valuable insight into the world of Speech and Debate. Become part of the online community which includes articles, coaching, classes, clubs, camps, workshops and so much more! Whether in person or online, we aim to help families navigate the world of speech and debate by providing opportunities to explore. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to make sure you are getting all the latest email updates.

Limited Prep: Should You Prioritize Structure or Pathos? by: Annie Rogers

Posted on by Heather Neumann

​Throughout my seven years competing in Speech and Debate, I heard the same phrase echoing throughout the competition halls: “I just want at least ONE judge to cry in my speech this time”. Pathos, the emotional appeal of your words, is admittedly an effective tool when it comes to evoking strong reactions amongst your audience, but is it the best way to approach your limited prep speeches?

Sign up for Annie’s Impromptu Class, which starts Mon. Feb. 10, HERE or continue to read on…

Continue reading “Limited Prep: Should You Prioritize Structure or Pathos? by: Annie Rogers” →

Another Lasting Impact! Impromptu Class Added for Spring

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Are you looking to enhance your communication skills? Are you needing more practice in your impromptu speaking abilities? Are you not able to get into the impromptu speech category because it’s too full or your league doesn’t offer it? Would you believe, working on these skills will help in all aspects of speech and debate, including LIFE!?

There is no doubt the benefits you can gain by being bold and trying Impromptu! But it can be so much easier than just jumping in… let Annie Rogers be your guide! Lasting Impact! is adding another Impromptu Class/Club to help our students navigate one of the harder speech categories… but probably one of the events with the most benefits.

Annie says, “Practicing and preparing for Impromptu can better prepare you for real life. Trust me, you cannot win a scholarship, receive a job offer, or earn a prestigious internship with out the skills to think on your feet. Most colleges, businesses, and fellowships are concerned with your ability to think critically, speak coherently, and process information quickly. One of the purposes of competing in high school speech and debate is to prepare students to communicate effectively in any environment they end up in, and focusing on developing the structure of your Impropmtu’s is a small, albeit effective tool in pushing you closer to that goal.”

Join Annie Rogers in her weekly quest to better prepare communicators. This class is limited in size. Her goal is to enhance your skills in Impromptu, Limited Prep, Debate, and beyond! Click HERE to sign up and learn more!

Cyber Monday – Purchase a Coaching Call Today, get your next call HALF OFF!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Who can use coaching? Everyone!

Sounds simple. Sounds easy. It is!

Join the thousands of students who have come to Lasting Impact! for coaching. If you aren’t sure how to coach your own son or daughter, or simply just need some extra feedback, or perhaps you need motivation, direction, or a challenge- look no further. Today is the day to give online coaching a try!

Why schedule a Coaching Call? There are numerous reasons why people come to us.

  1. Accountability. Sometimes meeting with a coach can keep you on track. Some students meet weekly, others as needed. We tailor your appointments with your needs.
  2. Feedback. Who feels lost in the realm of feedback? What more can I tell them? Our coaches have been doing this a LONG time and the ideas don’t stop.
  3. Success. If success is what you are looking for- look no further. I don’t think there is another team with more National Champions on staff or have coached more National Champions. However, that is not the only way, I measure success! I have students feel more comfortable, have courage standing up in front of a crowd , or simply ordering a meal at Subway. Success is what you want out of your journey. Whatever it is, we will help you get there!
  4. Growth. There are so many opportunities to grow through Speech and Debate. Having a coach insures that you are making the most of it.
  5. Fun. This is important!! Let’s be honest… a lot of times parents make their students participate in Speech and Debate. However, students will lack desire in a boring stuffy event. That’s when we come in. Speech and Debate is far from boring with us.

The list could go on and on, which is why today and today only… if you purchase a Coaching Call- you will get your next one HALF OFF! You can use the same coach, two different coaches, the same speech, one for speech, one for debate, one coaching call for one child, the other for the next. All you have to do, is schedule your appointment TODAY.

Be sure to check out our awesome team of coaches who can’t wait to join you on your Speech and Debate journey.

Some restrictions apply… both coaching sessions need to take place within six months of purchase.