Category: Services

Why Online Apologetics?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Now is the time to join Online Apol. Don’t take our word… here is what members have said…

“I recently completed the Online Apologetics class with Lasting Impact. The coaches were inspiring and welcoming. In this class, there is opportunity for in-depth conversation as well as personalized feedback on speeches. If you are considering this class you should go for it! You will learn more than you could ever expect. Creating cards can seem like an overwhelming task, but each class gives you enough material to write at least one card, and often much more. This was helpful in preparing for tournaments, and in general, all of life’s big questions.” ~ student, KS

“Online Apololegics opens the door to not only to great apologetics resources, but also to great apologetics discussions and feedback. Online Apol. will challenge you personally in your walk with Christ, equip you to effectively communicate in competition or out of competition , and give you the tools to powerfully persuade in your day to day conversations. For me, Online Apol. has encouraged me significantly in my study of Scriptures… and they are more valuable than “fine gold” (Psalm 19:10).!! Talking about God’s life answers with others who also passionately follow Him is so incredible! Discussing and learning together in online forum has helped me answer some of the biggest questions.” ~ Rachel Bechtel, alumni/instructor

“This was the best online class ever. It not only helped my daughter get started competing in apologetics, but more importantly it strengthened her relationship with the Lord & caused her to delve into Scripture & pursue her relationship with Christ in a new & powerful way.” ~ mom, FL

“Apologetics challenged me to know how to deal with the tough questions. I still don’t always have the right answer, but it taught me how to express what I do know in an honest, genuine manner. Being okay with not knowing every little detail of the Christian faith, and instead focusing on the big truths and trusting the Holy Spirit to move within the hearts of those who you come into contact with.” ~ Myles McLean, alumni/instructor

“I chose to compete in Apologetics because I love to learn about God. Participating in Apologetics made me ask the questions I never thought I could answer. I wanted to prepare to defend my faith – but now I know that doing Apologetics changed me as a person and that is the greatest defense I can give. Spending that much time learning about who God is makes you understand Him so much more. I still use quotes and concepts I learned in Apologetics. Even more, I now know how to go deeper into God’s Word. I would not be in this place today if I didn’t participate in the discipline of Apologetics.” ~ Elizabeth, alumni

“Apologetics is the only speech event that you can use in the following year. You can master material over several years. Every other speech event requires starting from scratch! I so believe in the spiritual effectiveness, I have written a curriculum to equip students. It’s used by families all over the country, entitled, Fearless Apologetics. You can find it at www.fearlessapologetics.com. As you make your plans for the new school year, consider making time for Apologetics. It may be the most important course your teen takes.” ~ Chap Bettis, parent/pastor

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photo by: JulieAnne Photography

 

 

Warning: Competing in Apologetics Can be Dangerous

Posted on by Heather Neumann

So many students decide not to compete in Apologetics. The number one reason I hear… fear. Fear in saying the wrong thing, fear of not knowing enough. Setting off on a quest can feal intimidating… especially alone. This is why we created Online Apologetics. This group is a friendly, encouraging place for students and families to build each other up, as well as equipping them for life. Below is an article by one of our 2018-2019 leaders. If you are wanting a community in your Apologetics journey… join us!

Remember- Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you…

Continue reading “Warning: Competing in Apologetics Can be Dangerous” →

Questions Answered in Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As most of you know, we are thrilled to offer another product to add to your resource collection- Lasting Impact! Vol. 2! Of course, if you are a member, you already have access to all of our articles online. But having a book at your fingertips can really be nice. We do not think of these books as a curriculum, however some of our members use our articles as a supplement or a resource for their clubs. You are welcome to copy off our articles whether it be online or through the book. We encourage you to share what you have learned here, through us. If you are new to Lasting Impact!, you might be wondering what we have all covered in the last two years…

Continue reading “Questions Answered in Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2” →

FREE Memberships for the 4th!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

In honor of The Fourth of July we are giving away FOUR FREE memberships! Now is the time to join! Or tell your friends to be part of the Lasting Impact! Community…

  • 200 articles all about speech and debate
  • discounts on coaching, workshops, and products
  • support for your family or club
  • the latest scoop on rules, analysis, and feedback
  • a video gallery with over 50 videos
  • online apol, impromptu, and speech clubs

It’s easy…

1. Like our Facebook page.

2. Share this post.

3. Comment in the comment section (on our Facebook page).

Memberships will be awarded on Friday- which will be a part of Lasting Impact! Free Friday giveaways for the month of July- so be sure to have liked our Facebook page, because that is where the fun will be!

IT’S HERE… well sort of – Lasting Impact! Vol. 2!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! Volume Two is all new! Every article we posted in our second year is chock full of advice, tips, encouragement, information, coach and student perspectives, and more- over 200 pages! We WANT you to have this at your fingertips when you are wondering what to cover in club, or how to help your own student go the extra mile. Read it cover to cover, or browse for what you need. This is a useable resource ready for YOU to put these ideas into action.

Through out the year, members asked if they could have all our articles available, in one easy place- like on their book shelf! We compiled all our articles and put them in easy to find categories, so you can have them at your finger tips! Categories include…

Speech and Debate

Interps

Platforms

Limited Prep

Delivery/Presentation

Tournaments

Inspiration/Encouragement

Judges

Coaches

There are over 75 articles for students, parents, coaches, and clubs to use and implement. There are awesome pictures to be inspired by! This book would not possible with out the love and support of so many people!

Kristi says, “We don’t propose to lay out a curriculum or a “how to” book. We propose to share the stepping stones Heather and I, along with the help of so many, found along the way. We hope these articles inform and inspire you as you learn and grow on your speech journey.”

This product is available for pre-sales only. Purchases made prior to 6/15/2018 will be delivered to purchaser at the NCFCA National Championship. For purchasers who are not attending the championship, the product will be shipped June 30, 2018.

Purchase here.

National Impromptu Prep Meeting – May 31

Posted on by Heather Neumann

According to National Impromptu Champion, Abbey Lovett, “The most overlooked event heading into Nationals is Impromptu and yet, it usually has the most amount of competitors. If you want to climb the ranks in Impromptu at the National Competition, you need to go in prepared.”

This Nationals workshop will take you through everything you need to know to succeed at nationals from the moment you walk into the competition room to the moment you leave (and much more) through the excellent instruction of Abbey Lovett.

Impromptu Nationals Prep:
– Reflecting on the year: what has worked, what hasn’t worked, how do you improve on that? Nationals is all about taking your biggest successes and enhancing them so they stand against the most competition you’ll ever see.

– At home prep for Nationals: How to research, practice, and collect stories as you’re preparing to leave for Nationals.

– At tournament prep: How to best use your time before each round to make sure your mind is prepared.

– Creating content: Judges at nationals are looking for the perfect combination of content, stories, and humor. Learn how to best organize your prep to give you the time you need to bring all of that to the table.

– Standing apart from the competition: How to catch the judges’ attention and keep it.

– Organizing your speeches in a memorable way.

– Presenting under pressure: Nationals can be scary! Especially once you start competing in elimination rounds. We’ll discuss some of the top strategies for not cracking under the pressure.

– Storytelling: How to tell compelling and inspiring stories that grab your audience’s attention and makes them remember your speech long after you’ve left the room.

WHEN: Thur. May 30

TIME: 7:00-8:30pm CT (PLUS a half hour one on one session with Abbey)

WHERE: An online Zoom meeting.

FOR: Nationals prep, but all are welcome.

COST: $25 members/$40 non members

Note:  If you purchase the session but are unable to attend,  we can still send you the link!

Register here!

 

Online Impromptu Class – Fall 2018 – Register NOW

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Are you looking to start the next speech season off in the right direction? Have you wanted to learn how to better prepare for Iimited prep type speeches… specifically impromptu?

Lasting Impact! is where it is at! Every Thursday evening 7:00-8:00 CT, Abbey Lovett (soon to be Kish), 2016 NCFCA Impromptu Champion, will guide beginning and advanced competitor’s through the basics of impromptu. Learn techniques, gather information, and analyze ideas in an online community setting. There will be guest speakers, activities, and practical application to have you ready and more prepared to compete in the up coming Speech and Debate Season.

Sign Up NOW! Space is limited.

$50 for Lasting Impact! members
$75 for non members
Fall 2018 Semester- Sept. 13 – Dec. 13

Lasting Impact! Interns Wanted

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Once again, Lasting Impact! is offering opportunities for students wanting internships. Last year, we had kids from all over the country contributing to our programs. High school and college students can gain experience, knowledge, and growth through our internship opportunities. Depending on your availability, sometimes we can fit your desires into our needs. Contact us and read the descriptions below to see if you are excited about leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.

Writers– Lasting Impact! publishes two articles a week. This is sometimes a huge feat for us. However, with the help of our Lasting Impact! Writers, we are able to cover more information, hear from a variety of perspectives, and are able to keep up with our demands.

Editors– In order to keep up with all our needs, editors are definitely a must! In addition to articles, we also have numerous publications. If you love editing, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

Apologetics Ambassadors– Online Apologetics will meet weekly during the fall semester- likely Tue. evening 8:00-9:00 CT. Ambassadors will be a part of the weekly meetings and assist the leader. They will have a heart for Apologetics and be an encouragement to new students.

Impromptu Club Leaders– Online Impromptu will meet weekly during the fall semester- likely Thur. evening 7:00-8:00 CT. Club Leaders will be a part of the weekly meetings and assist leader, Abbey Lovett. They will have a heart for Impromptu and be an encouragement to new students.

Speech Club Captains– Our Online Speech Club will meet Tue. mornings during the fall semester. Club Captains will be a part of the weekly meetings and assist the leader. They will have a heart for Speech and be an encouragement to new students.

Marketing– There is always something to promote within Lasting Impact!- books, workshops, memberships, etc. If you have a passion to market things- Lasting Impact! could use you!

How to get involved? Contact – admin@lastingimpact.info

Sign Up for Online Speech Club – Fall 2018

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We are so excited to meet the needs of families who are not in an area that offers a speech club! Through the power of technology our online club will meet weekly in the comfort of your own home… or wherever you happen to be!

Speech Coach, Heather Neumann, will lead students/families through a fun-filled 14 week journey on the basics of Speech- about different speech events, how to choose a topic, as well as delivery. Students will be held accountable, stretched, and encouraged. They will be prepared to compete for the 2018-2019 speech season. There will be assignments using Lasting Impact! articles. Hard copies of Lasting Impact! Vol. 1 and 2 will be available at a discount for club members, if you choose.  We are excited to have guest speakers, and there will be expectations, presentations, and feedback.  Parents will be able to give your student credit for the course.

Be sure to sign up now to start the speech season off with a bang! Space will be limited.

  • Fall Semester- Sept. 11 – Dec. 11
  • Tuesday mornings 9:30 am CT
  • $75 for members (sibling discount)
  • Non-members would need to become members before enrolling in Lasting Impact Online Club.  You may become members by going here
Annual Membership Subscription
$35 / Year
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Join Online Apologetics for Fall 2018 NOW!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

We would like to invite you to join Lasting Impact!’s Online Apologetics Club. This will be a one semester club/class for Fall 2018.

  • Have you been wanting to start Apologetics, but aren’t sure how to get started?
  • Did you want weekly accountability in your Apologetics Journey?
  • Do you want to be better prepared for Apologetics this season?

We are gearing up for another great year of living in the word through Online Apologetics. You do not need to be a competitor of Speech and Debate to get a better understanding of the Christian Faith. You don’t have to walk that road alone. Each year we have students, along with their families, join us in the journey. Through the power of technology we have people across the nation joining us every Tuesday evening starting Sept. 11 from 8:00-9:00 CT.

When I asked Online Apol. Leader, Rachel Bechtel, what can Online Apol. do for students? She replied, “Online Apololegics opens the door to not only to great apologetics resources, but also to great apologetics discussions and feedback. Online Apol. will challenge you personally in your walk with Christ, equip you to effectively communicate in competition or out of competition , and give you the tools to powerfully persuade in your day to day conversations.  For me, Online Apol. has encouraged me significantly in my study of Scriptures… and they are more valuable than “fine gold” (Psalm 19:10).!! Talking about God’s life answers with others who also passionately follow Him is so incredible! Discussing and learning together in online forum has helped me answer some of the biggest questions about my faith – like, why does God allow us to sin and yet still hold us accountable? Why do bad things happen to good people?”

Here are some testimonies of our group…

“Thank you so much for Online Apol. It has been a great opportunity for my child. I am so thankful for the personal accountability, and emphasis on growth, rather than the competition.” ~ parent

“I am so grateful for my Online Apol. friends. I now feel I am prepared to write my cards with confidence.” ~student

“I appreciate the teaching the most about Online Apol. Thank you so much for organizing this! It has helped me in card writing and in general knowledge.” ~ student

Still not convinced… Here is what our Apologetics Ambassadors have to say about Apologetics…

Myles McLean- “Apologetics challenged me to know how to deal with the tough questions. I still don’t always have the right answer, but it taught me how to express what I do know in an honest, genuine manner. Being okay with not knowing every little detail of the Christian faith, and instead focusing on the big truths and trusting the Holy Spirit to move within the hearts of those who you come into contact with.”

Joel Erickson- “Don’t be daunted by the seemingly insurmountable 105 questions. Approach the category with an “I-can-do-all-things-through-Christ-who-gives-me-strength” mentality.  Focus on preparing for Apologetics as a way to enrich your relationship with God and teach some judges about His grandeur.”

Stefanie Klaves- “Growing up in a Christian home, I thought I “knew” God and Christian fundamentals. After engaging in a few conversations with Buddhists and Atheist friends, I realized that I couldn’t adequately articulate why I believed what I believed, why the Bible is more reliable than other holy books, or why the Christian faith is preferable to their religious beliefs.”

Join Online Apologetics NOW!

$50 members/$75 non-members

Fall semester – Sept. 11 – Dec. 11 (14 sessions)

Tue. evenings 8:00-9:00 pm CT

No curriculum needed. Sessions will be recorded, so you won’t have to miss out on any of the fantastic teaching, awesome tips, or online community!

Be Our Guest – Free Online Apologetics Meeting Tonight

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Tonight we will be having our last Online Apologetics Meeting for the season. This year, we met all year- every Tuesday night 8:00-9:00 CT. Rachel Bechtel has done a fabulous job leading our group! Next year, we will only be meeting first semester to accommodate more families and their needs. Registration will be coming soon!

We invite you to join us tonight to see what Online Apol. is all about!

  • Encouragement
  • Lessons
  • Practice
  • Fellowship
  • Guest Speakers

We welcome you to come take a look at what being part of an online community is all about! Tonight our guest speaker will be Annie Rogers.

If you would like to participate simply contact – admin@lastingimpact.info

We will send you the link to Zoom- our online meeting forum.

 

Scripts and Writers Wanted!!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Lasting Impact! is excited to announce that we are going to start publishing some of YOUR stories as scripts! WE NEED YOU!

What? Now accepting script applications! We know that our students are some of the most talented people. Your original interp script can be the next Open Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, or even Duo Interpretation! Don’t let your original work sit and get dusty on the shelves…

Why? Every year kids write and perform amazing speeches. So why not give them another opportunity to shine? If you have a script or story that you or your student has written and you want to share your gifts with others… this is an opportunity for you! Our readers span a multitude of leagues and we can’t wait to show the world your talent.

How? The process- We will be having an application process. We have a limited amount of ISBN numbers that will be published for our 2018-19 Lasting Impact! Scripts. Winning pieces will be announced July 1, 2018 and will be available for purchase through our site.

When? Throughout the month of April and May we will be accepting potential scripts to be marketed for the 2018-2019 Speech Season.

The Application Process

Fee- $5 (per script)  – Please go here to apply and submit.

Please submit your piece IN A GOOGLE DOC to- lastingimpact2016@gmail.com

Your cover letter should include-

  • Name
  • Age
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • Year written
  • Accomplishments of Speech (if any)
  • League performed in or written for
  • Title
  • Description of Piece (less than 200 words)

Once you submit your piece you will receive a confirmation email. You will be notified whether or not your speech has been chosen in early July or before.

FAQ

1. What if you don’t use my script? We welcome you to make edits or revisions and try again next year.

2. Will there be editing done to my piece? Every great masterpiece may need some revisions. Our team knows what scripts need to look like and the potential transitions needed. No revisions will be made until you release your script and an agreement is made.

3. Will I be a published author? Yes! Your piece will have an isbn number and sold through our site.

4. Will I receive royalties? Yes, it will be in the contract that you will need to sign.

5. How many words does my script need to be? We prefer under 2000.

6. Can I use a script from this year? Absolutely! This year, last year, or ten years ago.

7. What if I never broke with my script? That’s ok!

8. Can I submit a story? Yes!

9. What type old speech are you looking for? We are looking for it all! Funny, dramatic, serious, goofy… you guys have talent! Let’s see what you got!

10. What if I have another question? Feel free to comment below or send an email to lastingimpact2016@gmail.com

Please go here to apply and submit.