“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This popular quote from Benjamin Franklin is one that I often heard parroted at me by coaches throughout the years, always immediately followed by an instruction to start working on my speeches and debate cases much sooner than I would have liked. At the time, I felt like it wasn’t that helpful to start in the summer, after all, the same materials would still waiting in the fall. While I don’t like to admit that I’m wrong, I was definitely wrong; getting a head start on preparation during the summer has proven to be invaluable in my experience, especially when preparing for Moot Court. Getting a head start on the extensive reading and analysis only helps you. However, figuring out where to start is difficult, should you read the Supreme Court cases first? Or the facts? When should you start writing your cases?
Here are a few tips on jump-starting your season a few months in advance:
It’s that time of year again. The new resolution is here and people are already forming their opinions and for next year’s debate season. We already ran an Online LD Camp (GET THE RECORDING HERE FOR ONLY $25/members –https://lastingimpact.info/product/workshop22659/ ) and the Lasting Impact! LD Guide is about to be released NEXT WEEK!! As a coach, I have already taken a deeper look at the selected NCFCA Lincoln Douglas value debate resolution for 2024-2025 debate season. Resolved: In combat, the use of automation should be valued above the use of Personnel. At first glance and without the context, it may not be clear whether this resolution begs ethical questions significant enough to debate. I would argue however, that there is practically an ocean of relevant moral philosophy to this highly relevant and deceptively nuanced resolution…
Are you ready to transform your speaking skills and win arguments not just in competitions but in life? This summer, dive into the exhilarating world of speech and debate through our specially designed camps!
Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the basics or an experienced debater aiming to refine your skills, we have something for everyone. Our camps are not just about learning; they’re about experiencing a journey of personal growth, critical thinking, and loads of fun!
Why Join Our Camps?
Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned instructors who are passionate about speech and debate and have years of competitive and coaching experience.
Dynamic Workshops: Participate in interactive workshops that cover everything from debate – crafting compelling arguments to the fine art of persuasion or speech – mastering the cut or characters in an Interp.
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Our camps are offered ONLINE, as well set in inspiring locations across the country, hosted by local clubs that trust us to help you be your guide. Locations include…
Are you ready to join us this summer? And you ready to step up your game? Spots are limited, and our camps are filling up fast. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this transformative experience. Register now and start your journey to becoming a better equipped speech and debater!
Don’t see a location you can get to? Want to host your own camp? For more details and to register, visit our camp page – HERE or contact Heather at heather@lastingimpact.info
Embrace the challenge, enjoy the camaraderie, and leave with skills that will empower you for life. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Speech and Debate camps this summer!
When NCFCA announced a few months back that rationalism vs. empiricism would be the LD resolution for the 2023-24 season, I was honestly a bit surprised. Even more surprising, however, was the resistance the topic was met with. Despite clearly receiving a plurality of votes, many people were disappointed in the resolution.
As someone who has coached LD for years and competed for years before that, the pushback bewildered me. What was so bad about this topic? I was even on this year’s LD resolution committee and so the research I had done on the topic was extensive. But I still wasn’t sure why people were hesitant to debate it. So I decided to get to the bottom of it, and this is what I found…
Do you know what the most underrated skill gained from speech and debate is???
The skill is not one that likely jumps to the top of your mind. Yes, speech and debate are great for developing critical thinking, vocabulary, public speaking, advanced nonverbal, interpersonal communication, research, leadership, and problem-solving skills, however, there is one more – let’s call it skill nine – that is absolutely worth highlighting… [Insert drum roll here]… self-awareness.
MEMBERSHIP PRiCES for ALL – through the 4th of July!! Our Online Camps are LESS THAN $100 (see below for details on the discounts). Sign up today for Lasting Impact! Online Camps, they will provide – amazing information, instruction, and inspiration! And, as always, the recording is FREE! Running a Club this year? Club Leaders are also welcome to attend! Learn and glean from top notch coaches to walk away with a jump start on the season making progress towards success!
Ethan Tong said, “Some of my fondest memories of High School Speech and Debate were the summer camps: hanging out with friends, not understanding how much I was learning, with little to no pressure to perform well. I remember one camp in Wisconsin where I was doing a practice round. One of the camp coaches was judging. I could not finish a single sentence without stuttering and saying ums all over the place––despite it being my 2nd year competing. I was so embarrassed that I literally said, in my speech, “I’m sorry, I promise I’m usually not this bad”!”
The great thing about camps is that you’re allowed to make mistakes and not be on your best game. You need to remember- you go to camp to learn, grow, and explore!
Lasting Impact! is offering summer speech and debate camps all over the country – including Hawaii! But did you know we also are providing some AMAZING speech and debate opportunities ONLINE this summer?? We are offering ONLINE DEBATE – in three different events––TP, LD, and Moot Court–– and ONLINE SPEECH! We guarantee they will help you learn the elements to get you started on the road to progress. By heading to a summer camp you are guaranteed to be further ahead than if you didn’t! We, at Lasting Impact!, are all about the process and progress over the perfection! If you can’t make it to an in person camp this summer… check out these online options…
TP and LD Camp – (TP – July 10-11/LD – July 12-13) These are called “Principles of TP” and “Principles of LD” because we will not just teach you how to succeed in a particular resolution, but how to succeed in any resolution. Coach Ethan Tong and Coach Nathanael Kolssak will teach you the principles of debate that all nationally-ranked debaters use. They are not only experienced coaches and past competitors, but they are also experienced judges! Therefore, they will be able to give you tips from the other side of the table and tell you what judges like and what they don’t like. Click HERE and enter the Code – DISCOUNT2310 for $25 OFF!!
Moot Camp – (July 26-27 or Aug. 4-5) This camp is geared for beginners and advanced. Beginners will cover…
⁃What is Moot Court? ⁃What To Do When Cracking Open the Packet ⁃Case Writing 101 ⁃Responding to Questions 101 ⁃2023 Packet Discussion ⁃…and more!
The advanced track will cover: ⁃Improving at Moot ⁃Case Writing 201: Compelling Intros and Conclusions ⁃Mastering the Rebuttal ⁃2023 Packet Discussion Click HERE. And enter the Code- DISCOUNT2310 for $10 OFF!!
Jump Start Speech – (July 17) Heather Neumann will lead students of all levels to get a kick start for the upcoming season. Through class time and engaging activities, Heather will break down all the speech categories, teach the benefits of speech and debate, and dispel various myths. Even the most apprehensive students will walk away with a foundation, and the varsity students will be inspired! Click HERE. And enter the Code- DISCOUNT2310 for $10 OFF!!
Do you need a camp to do well? No, not necessarily, but our camps will have value. You have the opportunity to start your journey NOW! Begin the process NOW. Oh––and one more thing: we promise these camps will be fun. Yes, they’re online. But we use high energy, humor, games, activities, and everything in our power to make these camps some of the best you’ve ever been to. Just hear what a Moot Court camper said:
“The energy was immaculate, the feedback was top tier, and the way the coaches handled everything (from jokes to lectures to drills to giving tips) exceeded my already high expectations greatly. Would 100% pay again. 10/10.”
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Isaiah Depp competed in Speech and Debate for four years. He began reluctantly, but found a passion for articulating his thoughts, debating arguments, and processing ideas. He was blessed to study under a few master coaches, including Isaiah McPeak and Laurie Dawson. He submerged himself into a deep dive learning process uncovering everything he could from researching an argument, to actually understanding the other side and presenting cases. Isaiah enjoys thinking through the ideas and with new NCFCA resolution out, he thought, “why not dive into it?” and below are his initial thoughts…Enjoy!
Can you believe it’s mid-June? Can you believe I have had coaching sessions already for fall 2023?! I’m not going to lie- I love summer prep! I love the enthusiasm that comes with tackling new resolutions, speech ideas, and the inspiration that comes from simply seeking His will.
Are you feeling ready for what the new speech and debate season has in store? If you are feeling unequipped, unsettled, or uninspired – join Lasting Impact! to get energized!!
The latest Lasting Impact! Resource full of beginner, intermediate, and advanced tips to help you grow in your limited prep speaking. Including Impromptu, Mars Hill, Extemporaneous, and Apologetics.
Books and Resources!
Coming Soon! TP Sourcebook, LD Guide, and NEW Debate Packets!
Interp Club with Heather Neumann and Lynda DePasacreda
Limited Prep with Ethan Tong
Debate Readiness with Amy Eichholz
LD Fundamentals with Hillary and Nathanael Kolssak
LD Strategies with Ethan Tong
Intermediate LD with Peter Montgomery
LD Roundtable with Noah McKay
TP Foundations with Emalyn George
Advanced TP with Eric Meinerding
Extemp Roundtable
We can’t wait to see you again, meet for the first time, come alongside you and GROW, EQUIP, INSPIRE, and IMPACT! As always, we are cheering you on, and remember- you got this… cuz He’s got you!
Ok- maybe we are a bit premature! Some of you haven’t been to your National Championship, yet! But REGISTRATION IS GOING ON NOW! Lasting Impact! aims to empower students with the skills of effective communication and teamwork through the avenues of debate and public speaking. Check out what you can sign up for by going to the SHOP ( https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )or read the list below…
In Person Camps! The Impact! Tour is topping at over 10 locations from HI to FL! We love partnering with clubs and are excited to bring energy and fun and quality coaching to your home town! We still have some dates available, if your state isn’t on the list, contact us!
Online Camps! Can’t make it to an in person camp? We have online camps in June, July, and August! All camps are recorded, so you won’t have to miss a thing!
Summer Sessions! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15065/ We added something new to the mix this year! Online weekly encouragement to boost students, parents, coaches, and clubs! Every Monday night for ten weeks we will dig into the topics you want to hear about. We’ve invited special guests, as well as our coaches for you to hear the latest ideas and inspiration. Sessions include…
How to get started in Speech and Debate
Overview of Resolutions
How to Research
Picking Topics
The Ins and Outs of Expository or Digital Presentations
We, at Lasting Impact! have a passion for the Art of Communication! We are excited for what the Lord has in store for young people, and want to help them understand the value and power they have to IMPACT and inspire! If you aren’t seeing something you want contact heather@lastingimpact.info
I’ve been blessed to coach students heading to the national championship and watch students compete since 2016. Year after year, I often find myself saying the same thing- get a fresh perspective! It is not a new concept.
What inspired me today applies particularly to speech students, though I would encourage debate students to think through the same concept – how do we view our case, digital presentation/expos, apologetics? You name it, pick a topic.. how do we approach any of it with a fresh perspective that will not only engage our audience and judges, but engage our own minds as well…
One more time! After a whirl wind of Speech Camps, I decided to run one more… for anyone that didn’t make it to an in-person camp… for any new coach that wants to learn how I teach, for any family who wants to jump in and explore what Speech looks like! I will be mostly breaking down the three types of speeches we see in Speech and Debate, the myths, why we should do them, and how to go about them. Special emphasis will be put on the new events – Interp in a Box, Biblical Presentation, and After Dinner Speaking. Whether you want an overview, a fresh new take, or an inspiring afternoon. Come hang out with me… click HERE to sign up. Or go to – https://lastingimpact.info/product/camps10241/
The recording will be FREE to those who sign up. For questions contact heather@lastingimpact.info
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