Category: Summer Prep

Why Study Apologetics? (Online Workshop TONIGHT with Joseph Knapp)

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If you’ve never participated in Apologetics before, you may be wondering, What is it? More importantly, Why should I spend my time studying it? Tonight, you have the opportunity to join our Online Workshop on Apol – TONIGHT at 7pm CT https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp25407/

One of my favorite answers to that question comes from Coach Joseph Knapp:

“You should do Apologetics for the sole reason that it will build your confidence and knowledge in the Bible, Christianity, and the God who is there and is not silent.”
— Coach Joseph Knapp

That statement captures the heart of this event.

We live in a world where truth is often viewed as personal preference. Our culture tells us that everyone has their own truth and that all beliefs are equally valid. Yet as Christians, we know that truth is not something we invent… it is something God has revealed. He has spoken through His Word, and because of that, we can know Him, trust Him, and confidently stand on what He has said.

That is where Apologetics comes in. For some people, they may only think of it as a speech event… but it is so much more that that! It’s an opportunity to learn, understand, and grow in your Faith!!

The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “to give a defense.” In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are instructed:

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Notice that Peter doesn’t say we should be argumentative or combative. Instead, he calls us to be prepared. Apologetics is not about winning a theological debate… it’s about knowing the truth well enough to explain it clearly, thoughtfully, and graciously.

One of the greatest benefits of studying apologetics is the confidence it builds. As you study Scripture, examine difficult questions, and learn how to think critically about your faith, you begin to realize that Christianity is not built on blind faith. God invites us to love Him with our hearts, souls, and our minds.

Joseph goes on to say, “Looking back, I can honestly say that Apologetics has been one of the most influential tools in my own walk with Christ. It challenged me to study the Bible more deeply, wrestle with difficult questions, and understand not only what I believe, but why I believe it. That confidence doesn’t just help in competition—it changes the way you approach conversations, serve others, and live out your faith every day.”

The goal of this workshop isn’t simply to prepare for tournaments. It’s to equip you for life. My prayer is that you’ll leave this class with a stronger understanding of God’s Word, a greater love for His truth, and the confidence to engage our culture with both conviction and compassion.

Tonight, we’ll begin at the very beginning. We’ll explore what Apologetics is, walk through the structure of an Apologetics round, review the current rules, and spend some time getting to know one another. Every expert starts as a beginner, and every strong foundation is built one stone at a time.

Welcome to Apologetics Club. I’m excited to begin this journey with you. Sign up NOW to join us tonight or to receive the recording.. https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp25407/

When: July 24

Time: 7-9 pm CST

Cost: $25 members/$50 non-members

Extemporaneous Workshop TOMORROW – An Event That Prepares Students for Real Life

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Our Extemp Roundtable isn’t just another class. It’s an interactive workshop that begins tomorrow (and there’s still time to sign up) where students will learn how to:

  • Research efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Build a clear speech in just 20 minutes.
  • Use their notecard strategically.
  • Develop introductions and conclusions that capture attention.
  • Deliver with confidence instead of panic.

Whether you’re brand new to Extemp, in any league, or looking to take your speeches to the next level, this Extemp Roundtable Camp will prepare you for the season ahead! Still not sure about Extemp… read on…

Why Extemp is One of the Most Valuable Events

Unlike other speech categories, extemp requires that students stay informed about the world around them and speak confidently about domestic and international issues without reading a script. Those are skills they’ll use in college, careers, ministry, and everyday conversations. 

Coach Andrew Formo encourages all students to try extemp, even those who don’t love politics, because it helps you practice both your speaking and research skills. Andrew argues that extemp is a unique category that blends smooth delivery, off the cuff speaking, and deeply researched content in a way that “doesn’t get stale.” Extemp is never the same speech twice, and it forces you to combine the content you find in debate or platform speaking with the quick thinking of a limited prep. 

Real World Applications

Extemp club will actually begin this week, July 16, at 7pm CST, because Coach Andrew received an invitation to join a political event last week, in which students from all 50 states and all US territories gathered in Washington, D.C. Students had the opportunity to question a panel of experts on a subject and discuss political issues as a group, with the goal of creating bipartisan agreement. 

Reflecting on the event, Andrew felt that his time spent competing in extemp had prepared him well to participate. He noted that, because extemp requires you to research many different issues and prepare deep analysis, “I was able to bring insights from those speeches into discussions at this event.” 

Extemporaneous Speaking teaches competitors to gather information quickly, think critically, organize their thoughts, and communicate with confidence- all under pressure. Those aren’t just speech skills… they’re life skills. Join us for Extemp Roundtable to learn strategies for success in this category.

TODAY! Free Webinars – Tackling New Speech Events (Like After Dinner) and Club Leader Meet and Greet

Posted on by Heather Neumann

A new speech season brings new opportunities… and this year, a few new events too! Lasting Impact! is ready to help you jump start your season!

If you’ve been wondering:
• Where do I even begin with After Dinner Speaking? Should I tackle a new speech?
• How do I coach these new categories?
• How can I grow?

Join us TONIGHT at 7:00 PM for our FREE webinar:

Tackling the New Speech Events

We’ll walk through the purpose of the new events, discuss practical coaching strategies, brainstorm ideas, and help you feel more confident heading into the season. Whether you’re a veteran coach or just starting your speech journey, we’d love to have you with us! Heather Neumann (along with her guests) will lead these exciting sessions that will be sure to inspire and spark excitement into your season.

Then, at 8:00 PM, stick around for our Club Leader Meet & Greet!

One of the greatest blessings of speech and debate is the community. Coaching isn’t meant to be done alone! This is a relaxed opportunity to meet other club leaders, ask questions, share ideas, and encourage one another as we prepare for another exciting year.

Our mission has always been bigger than trophies. We’re raising young people who can think deeply, communicate truth clearly, and make a lasting impact for Christ.

We hope you’ll join us tonight!

To receive the Zoom link, email Heather@lastingimpact.info These will be recorded. Members can view for FREE in the RECORDED WORKSHOPS.

Mid-Summer Motivation for Speech & Debate Families!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

One of the greatest gifts we can give our students isn’t simply another speech or another trophy- it’s preparation. When students learn to think deeply, communicate truth clearly, and serve others with their words, they’re developing skills that will last far beyond a single tournament.

Summer is the perfect time to begin that work!! Without the pressure of weekly tournaments, students and coaches have the opportunity to learn new skills, explore new events, and build a strong foundation for the season ahead. The time invested now often becomes the confidence they carry into competition later.

That’s why we’ve put together several opportunities to help you prepare, grow, and head into this year with confidence!

50% OFF Select Lasting Impact! eBooks

For a limited time, we’re offering 50% off select eBooks, including some of our most popular resources!

Speech Grab and Go
Need a jumpstart? Speech Grab and Go is filled with ready-to-use speech ideas, lessons, and inspiration to help coaches and students move from “I don’t know what to do” to confidently preparing speeches.

The Ultimate Interp Guide
Whether you’re brand new to interpretation events or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide walks students through choosing literature, developing characters, creating meaningful blocking, and connecting with an audience. It’s one of our favorite resources because it teaches students to tell stories that truly matter.

Lasting Impact!’s Guide to Limited Prep
Limited Prep events can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be! This guide is packed with practical instruction and proven strategies to help students think critically, organize ideas quickly, and communicate with confidence when the clock is ticking.

If you’ve been thinking about adding these resources to your coaching toolbox, now is the perfect time! Lasting Impact! Members receive this 50% discount all month long.

Extemp Roundtable Begins Next Week!

If your student is planning to compete in Extemporaneous Speaking this season, there’s still time to join our Extemp Roundtable!

This interactive experience is designed to prepare students for one of speech and debate’s most challenging limited prep categories. Together, we’ll learn:

  • How to research effectively
  • How to structure a compelling extemp speech
  • How to make the most of that single notecard
  • How to deliver with confidence and leave a lasting impact on the judge long after the round is over

Whether your student is new to Extemp or looking to strengthen their skills, we’d love to have you join us!

Join Us on July 14!

We’re also excited to invite you to two FREE online events designed to encourage and equip your family for the upcoming season.

7:00 PM – Tackling New Speech Events

Are the new speech events leaving you with questions? Wondering how to approach events like After Dinner Speaking and some of the other additions this season or an event new to you?

We’ll discuss practical strategies, event expectations, brainstorming ideas, and ways to confidently coach these new categories. Whether you’re a veteran coach or just getting started, you’ll leave with ideas you can begin using right away.

8:00 PM – Coaches Social

After the webinar, stick around for our Coaches Social!

Coaching can sometimes feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. This is a relaxed time to connect with other coaches, ask questions, share ideas, celebrate victories, and find fresh motivation as we prepare for another incredible year of speech and debate.

Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement from people who understand the journey.

To sign up, simply email Heather@lastingimpact.info.

Investing in What Lasts

Speech and Debate is about so much more than tournaments and trophies. It’s about helping young people become thoughtful communicators, courageous leaders, and faithful ambassadors for Christ wherever God calls them.

We hope you’ll take advantage of these opportunities to invest in your students- and in yourself as a coach. Whether it’s picking up a new resource, joining the Extemp Roundtable, or connecting with other coaches on July 14, every small step you take today can have a lasting impact for years to come.

We can’t wait to learn, grow, and prepare with you this season!

Diving Into Interpretation Events: Finding Your Voice Through Story

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Every speech and debate season brings excitement, anticipation, and one big question:

“What event should I do this year?”

For many students, Interpretation Events can feel intimidating at first. Multiple characters. Cutting literature. Blocking. Voices. Emotions. Scripts. Where does one begin?? It can seem overwhelming. But for those willing to dive in, Interpretation events often become some of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in all of speech and debate.

Interp isn’t simply about acting… It’s about storytelling! And do you know who can benefit from being a better STORYTELLER?? EVERYONE!! Speech Students AND DEBATERS! Read on to learn more about the power of Interps and Storytelling OR SIGN UP for our FREE July 14 Webinars… contact Heather@lastingimpact.info to get on the list (more info about them below).

Continue reading “Diving Into Interpretation Events: Finding Your Voice Through Story” →

Summer Speech and Debate Camps! Free Parent Registration With Every Student! 

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Calling all parents! Our team is excited to offer a free parent registration with every student who signs up for one of our online camps this summer. The fact is, YOU are an essential member of your student’s competition team. Every late night conversation in the kitchen, every practice round you judge, every bit of feedback you offer will help your student gain a deeper understanding of the resolution, and our league culture will benefit from your expertise! 

Camps start this week! It’s not too late to sign up for…

Novice Team Policy, June 26-27 from 9am-12pm CST

Advanced Team Policy, June 26-27 from 1-4pm CST

Novice LD, June 27 from 11am-3pm CST

Advanced LD, June 27 from 11am-3pm CST

We hope to see you there! If you haven’t signed up yet or haven’t checked out ALL the Speech and Debate Camps we are offering this year – check them out – HERE!! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/online-camps/ OR Email anne.lastingimpact@gmail.com with any questions. 

Tackling New Speech Events and Rule Changes: A Guide to Success

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Every speech and debate season brings something new. Sometimes it’s an entirely new event!! Other times it’s a rule change, a revised event description, or an updated ballot. For many competitors (and coaches!!), these changes can feel overwhelming at first. Where do you start? How do you know what judges are really looking for? How can you make your speech stand out? Do you sit this season out to let someone else show you what a new even can look like- NO WAY!! Sign up for an inspirational, informational webinare on July 14 (more information below) or read on for some expert tips…

Continue reading “Tackling New Speech Events and Rule Changes: A Guide to Success” →

Online LD Camp UPDATE – FREE Fall Apol. Club

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Our virtual LD Camp starts TOMORROW! It’s going from a two day camp to one! This means less time online for you… but still all of the AMAZING content! Sessions will include…
Argumentation
Value theory
Writing a compelling case
Research in LD
Elements of effective speaking
Flowing
Going Neg
…and more!

Plus, we have added an even BIGGER BONUS!! If you sign up, you will automatically be invited to our Fall Online Apologetics Club FOR FREE! That’s right, no need to register… you will be welcome to join our Lasting Impact! Apol Club. We are so excited to offer this! Tell your friends! Remember, all camps and clubs/classes are recorded. Sign up for Online LD Camp (and Apol) HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp23889/

Also, if LD isn’t your thing… we will make the same offer for TP! Register HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23888/

Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As a coach, I’ve seen countless students walk into a Speech and Debate Camp a little nervous, unsure of what to expect. But by the end of the camp, they’ve transformed—equipped with new skills, fresh strategies, and the confidence to tackle their next competition head-on. If you’re a student considering whether to attend a Speech and Debate Camp – online or in-person or a parent wondering if it’s worth the investment, the answer is a resounding YES! I have countless of reasons why… but here’s just two reasons why: (and remember- we have TWO awesome online debate camps coming up… check them out HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )

Continue reading “Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?” →

Summer Prep with Lasting Impact!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Are you ready to begin your 2025-2026 speech and debate season? We are too! In fact, we have one camp under our belt and resources busting at the seams! Here is just a short run down of how you can use Lasting Impact! as the number one resource in Speech and Debate this summer and beyond!

  1. Coaching – Have you seen our line up of qualified coaches? Do you want to get a jump start on your season? Schedule a Mental Prep Session. Coaching isn’t just for students either! Did you know we help create syllabus’ for clubs, meet with parents, and coach specific tracks for clubs? Check out COACHING here.
  2. Camps – Like I said we are one camp down, and about a dozen more to go! Lasting Impact! Coaches are traveling nation-wide again to help inspire students (and parents) on the power of communication! Talk to Heather (heather@lastingimpact.info) on more information on hiring a Lasting Impact! Coach. We even offer Online Camps this summer (and they will be recorded)! Moot, TP, LD, and Jump Start Speech… what more could you ask for!?
  3. Speech and Debate Materials – We have AMAZING products! If you haven’t been to the SHOP in a while… go there NOW!
  4. Sourcebooks – Our Debate Guidebooks and Sourcebooks are the BEST! We spend hundreds of hours putting together a product you will want to dig into! And did you know, we created a Summer Prep TP Source just for our NCFCA friends! Great for easy early research or camp!
  5. Don’t forget to sign up for Fall 2025 Clubs/Classes! More will be added this summer… but be sure to check out some of our standards- Online LD, Speech 101, Speech 102, Interpretation Club, Online Apol, Extemporaneous Roundtable and more!

Lasting Impact! is gearing up for the best summer and season ever! We hope you join us!

TP Source – Early Release Announcement, Camps, and More!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Hello, NCFCA Debaters, Coaches, and Clubs!
Lasting Impact! is eager to announce the release of TWO cases for the 2025 debate summer camp season. We are excited for the upcoming NCFCA season, which will focus on Congressional reforms, and our coaches have been hard at work researching and crafting the quality Lasting Impact! cases you have come to know and love (these may just be some of our best yet)! 

In the past, we have released a source book near the beginning of August. This year will be no exception, but in addition to this traditional release, we also want to help support your summer research and camps by releasing two high-quality cases early. We will be selling one case for $20 or both early releases for $30 per team. The cases include a 1AC, an AFF backup, and a NEG brief. The two cases are: “Pass the TRUST Act,” which deals with insider trading, and “Pass Congressional Term Limits,” which advocates for term limits on U.S. Representatives and Senators. We will be using these sample cases in our own Summer Debate Camps!!
Speaking of… Looking to dive into a Summer Speech or Debate Camp? Sign up NOW with some of the best speech and debate coaching and materials! Our Online Camps will be recorded! If you are still looking to host a camp… check with Heather to see if a coach can come to you Heather@lastingimpact.info, OR we would encourage you to stop by the Lasting Impact booth at the NCFCA National Championship in Minnesota! We will be on campus and look forward to meeting you! If you would like to see a preview of the NCFCA TP Camp Cases, or our other amazing products or materials – come to our booth (and meet our llama)!! We will have copies of the cases and books available for preview. And don’t forget the SALE going on now… (see previous post for details). As always, we love coming alongside your speech and debate journey!

FREE PRINTING OFFER!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Heading to the NCFCA National Championship? Want to purchase and pick up printed materials and have them waiting for you? From now – May 24 until June 1, 2025, purchase one of our SPEECH Ebooks, and have them printed for FREE! Items must be picked up at Nats! Items will not be shipped! Did you know Lasting Impact! has numerous Speech Resources! The free printing offer includes…

  • Speech Games and Ice Breakers
  • The Ultimate Guide to Interpretive Speech
  • Grab and Go Speech Lesson Plans
  • Seek Him First (Speech and Debate Devotional)
  • Vol. 1 and 2 – Tips, Advice, and Encouragement for your Speech Journey
  • Guide to Limited Prep

To receive your FREE printing, simply purchase the books and write PRINT in the comments. This free printing offer does not include Debate Books, Sourcebooks, Activity Cards, or Public Speaking For Kids. Head to the SHOP now, and don’t miss this incredible offer! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/books/