Last week I went to see one of my favorite Broadway shows at a local theater. Something was missing. The set was awesome! The costumes were great! It was a full cast! Something was off!? Anyone who spends time in theatre has experienced it. The actors say all the right words. They move to the right places. The show looks polished and well-rehearsed. Yet somehow… it feels hollow. The same thing can happen in Speech and Debate!!
What’s missing?
Often the difference comes down to three very different approaches to speaking lines: reciting, performing, and feeling.
Great thinking doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built over time through intentional learning, strong ideas, and meaningful conversation. That’s exactly what Lasting Impact! is here!!
When you subscribe to Lasting Impact!, you’ll receive weekly articles designed to challenge, encourage, and equip students, parents, and coaches in Speech & Debate and beyond. Presently, we have OVER 600 articles!! That’s TEN years worth of information!! We are the LONGEST Speech and Debate Community supporting leagues, clubs, coaches, parents, and students!! We love what we do! And we are here to stay!
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✔ Tools You Can Actually Use From practice techniques and speaking tips to mindset shifts and coaching strategies—everything is created to support real growth, not just theory. We have years of experience from around the nation.
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Practice is where Speech and Debate competitors are truly made—but not all practice is created equal. Hours spent rehearsing without focus can lead to burnout, frustration, and stalled growth. Purposeful practice, on the other hand, builds thinkers, communicators, and confident competitors. The difference isn’t time... It’s intention. Read on for more EIGHT intentional practice tips and to understand why purposeful practice is so important...
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What’s the point of asking your judge what they want to see in the round? There isn’t one, if you’re not going to act on it. One of the biggest mistakes debaters make is misunderstanding what it means when a judge says they want you to focus on impacting. Most debaters think that means just making it really clear why you should win that particular argument. Some debaters will take it a step further and interpret that statement to mean explaining why that argument wins the round. However, very few debaters understand the implicit request in that phrase. We often forget there should be some guiding idea or principle behind every debate case. Judges want to hear not just why you win an argument, or why that argument wins you the round, but why that argument matters beyond the context of high school speech and debate. Continue to read THREE levels of layered impact…
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!…
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…
We’re excited to announce that scripts are now available in the SHOP at Lasting Impact!—a growing collection of thoughtfully crafted works designed for speech competitions, one-act festivals, and full theatrical productions.
Whether you’re a student preparing for competition, a coach searching for quality material, or a director looking for meaningful scripts for your program, these works were created with purpose, performance, and impact in mind.
Perfect for interpretive speech events, these scripts are crafted to:
Highlight strong characters and clear themes
Fit within competitive time limits
Offer flexibility for creative interpretation
Provide emotional depth and clarity
These pieces are ideal for students who want material that is engaging, followable, and judge-friendly, while still allowing room for originality and personal voice. These scripts are high quality, ready for you to make your own! Whether you are an individual looking for a DRAMATIC, OPEN, or HUMOROUS Interpretation or you are a dynamic DUO looking for the perfect INTERP… look no further! We have variety of SCRIPTS… and more will be posted monthly!
2. One-Act Plays
Our one-act plays are designed for:
Speech and debate competition
School performances
Festivals and showcases
They offer strong storytelling, manageable casts, and themes that resonate with both performers and audiences—making them excellent choices for programs looking for quality material without the commitment of a full-length production. One Act plays are typically between 20-40 minutes in length. They have more to cut, but are a great option for competition.
3. Full-Length Plays
For theater programs seeking meaningful, performance-ready material, our full-length plays provide:
Compelling narratives
Rich characters
Clear themes
Opportunities for ensemble and lead performers
These scripts are ideal for schools, community theaters, and homeschool groups looking for stories that challenge performers and engage audiences. Our collection has been written, published, and produced by Heather Neumann, founder of Lasting Impact! These plays are not all posted yet, but will be available in 2026 for production. Contact heather@lastingimpact.info for rights and royalty information. Plays include…
Light in the Darkness – An Adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables
A Christmas Carol
Pirates of Penzance ~ A Play with Music
Pride and Prejudice
Little Women
The Importance of Being Earnest
Written and Curated with Experience
All scripts on Lasting Impact! are written or curated by Heather Neumann—author, coach, and educator who has worked with thousands of students and coached dozens of National Champions.
Heather Neumann is an author, playwright, and nationally recognized speech coach who has worked with thousands of students and coached numerous Speech Champions. She is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech and Lasting Impact’s Speech Grab and Go, as well as multiple stage adaptations, including Light in the Darkness, inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Her work centers on meaningful storytelling, clarity of interpretation, and as always, a lasting impact!
Heather finds deep joy in working with young performers, helping them discover their voice and the power it carries to impact the world. With a gift for transforming timeless literature into accessible and compelling dramas for students and adults of all ages. Heather’s work is infused with purpose, beauty, and grace. Her greatest delight is in revealing the love of the Father through every performance. She treasures her faith, her family, and the way theater can draw hearts closer to Jesus.
But success has never been measured by awards alone. These scripts reflect years of experience understanding:
What works on stage
What resonates with judges and audiences
What challenges and grows students
What builds confidence, creativity, and communication skills
Each piece is created with the belief that performance is not just about winning—it’s about growth, connection, and lasting impact. If you believe you have a public domain or an original script that you feel is competition and Lasting Impact! worthy, contact heather@lastingimpact.info
Whether you’re preparing for a tournament, selecting a play for your program, or looking for meaningful material that stretches performers, these scripts were written to serve both excellence and heart!
We invite you to browse the growing script collection and find the piece that fits your students, your program, and your goals.
Why Students and Parents Benefit from Investing in an Outside Speech & Debate Coach
In Speech and Debate, we often talk about skills—communication, organization, delivery, argumentation. But behind every great speaker, every confident competitor, every transformed student… there is usually a coach… a coach can be a club coach, mentor, sibling, alumni, even a parent!!
A coach is more than a tutor. More than a teacher. A coach is a guide, a mentor, and often the person who sees potential long before the student sees it in themselves.
Coaching, at its core, is a gift—a gift of clarity, confidence, and growth that lasts far beyond tournaments. Why can a coach be the right fit for you? Why does coaching matter? Read on…
In a world overflowing with information, it’s easy for students to lean on shortcuts—summaries, prewritten cases, or someone else’s arguments passed along as their own. But the true value of Speech and Debate doesn’t come from finding the right answer quickly. It comes from learning how to think deeply, critically, and independently…
Judging a Speech and Debate round is both an honor and a responsibility. You’re not just ranking performances—you’re shaping communicators. The feedback you give can influence how a student grows, how they see themselves, and how they use their voice in the future.
So, what does it mean to be a great speech judge? It’s not about being the most experienced speaker or the toughest critic—it’s about being attentive, encouraging, and helpful.
The Purpose of Judging
Your role as a judge is to:
Evaluate each performance fairly according to the rules.
Encourage students in their development as communicators.
Equip them with feedback that will make their next speech even stronger.
Each ballot you complete is more than a score sheet—it’s a coaching moment.
What Kind of Feedback Students Want
Most students don’t want generic comments like:
“Nice job!” or “Good eye contact.”
They want specific, actionable, and encouraging feedback.
Here’s what that looks like:
Weak Feedback
Strong Feedback
“Good introduction.”
“Your introduction grabbed my attention right away! Consider pausing before your first line to make it even more powerful.”
“Work on gestures.”
“Your gestures matched your message, but be mindful of repeating the same hand motion—it can distract from your words.”
“Good job overall.”
“You communicated with confidence and passion! Next time, try adding more variation in tone to emphasize your key points.”
✅ Students crave feedback that helps them grow, not just compliments or criticism.
Why Your Feedback Matters
Your written comments might be the only coaching a student receives between tournaments. A single thoughtful note can:
Build confidence
Clarify direction
Encourage persistence
Inspire excellence
In short—you have the power to change how a student feels about their voice.
Be Observant and Balanced
A good judge looks for both strengths and areas of growth (GROWS AND GLOWS). Think of it like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich… The bread (GLOWS) holds the peanut butter and jelly (GROWS) together. Try using this simple approach:
Start with praise (bread/GLOW) – What went well? Be specific.
Give one or two suggestions (peanut butter and jelly/GROW)– What could improve? Focus on what’s realistic for next time.
End with encouragement (bread/GROW)– What inspires you about their message or performance?
Example:
“You have a natural connection with your audience. Work on pacing your transitions a bit more evenly, and your delivery will feel even smoother. I loved the authenticity of your message—keep sharing it boldly!”
Practical Tips for Being a Better Judge
Be attentive – Stay engaged, even if you’ve heard the piece before. Don’t text during a speech!
Avoid thinking about what YOU think they might be capable of. – Judge each speech/competitor on their own merit.
Know the rules – Familiarize yourself with event criteria. Base your decisions on the ballot.
Be kind – Remember, they’re learning.
Encourage growth – Your words can motivate excellence.
The Heart of Judging
At its best, judging is mentorship in motion. It’s an opportunity to affirm truth, recognize effort, and guide the next generation of communicators.
Whether a student wins or not, your thoughtful feedback can remind them of something far more lasting: * Their words matter. * Their growth matters. * Their voice matters.
Final Thought: When you step into a judging round (or signing up for an online tournament), you’re not just evaluating speeches—you’re investing in people. And that makes your role one of the most meaningful parts of Speech and Debate.
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.
When people think about speech and debate, they often picture structure, rules, and competition — carefully written outlines, well-researched sources, and polished delivery. And while those things matter, there’s another ingredient that sets great speakers apart from good ones: creativity.
Creativity is what transforms a standard speech into a story, a logical argument into a memorable moment, and a routine performance into something alive. It’s what helps you find new angles, take risks, and connect with your audience in ways they don’t expect. It is part of the INTERESTING component in the I-Test!! How can you bring creativity into speech and debate and why does this set competitors apart? Keep reading…
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