Why Rationalism vs. Empiricism Isn’t as Bad as You May Think by: Peter Montgomery

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…

Continue reading “Why Rationalism vs. Empiricism Isn’t as Bad as You May Think by: Peter Montgomery”

#1 Unrated Skill Learned in Speech and Debate By: Griffith Vertican

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.

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Happy 4th SALE! Online Speech and Debate Camps – Membership Prices for ALL!

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.”

Sign Up Today!

Our Summer Newsletter is HERE! Make the MOST of Summer Prep!

Click HERE to see the Summer 2023 Newsletter.


Are you subscribed to receive our blog posts? Have you signed up to find out the latest sales, information, updates, etc? It’s on the right side of our HOME page. It says – EMAIL ME WHEN YOU POST. You don’t have to be a member to be notified when we post a new blog, offer a class, or create a new product (which we did all of the above this past month).

Our summer newsletter should be in your inbox. Find out all the happenings! Summer is flying by! Make the most of your summer speech and debate prep by …

  • Reading Articles – Did you know we have over 500 blog posts?
  • Sign Up for a Summer Camp – Online or In Person!
  • Watch the Recorded Workshops
  • Register for a Fall Class/Club – Speech, Debate, Juniors, oh my!
  • Check Out all the Resources! We have new products
  • Schedule a Coaching Call – Summer brain storming or prep starts now!

Lasting Impact! wants to join you in your journey of Speech and Debate. Please let us know how we can help!

Formulating Thoughts About Rationalism vs Empiricism (LD – NCFCA) by: Isaiah Depp

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!

Continue reading “Formulating Thoughts About Rationalism vs Empiricism (LD – NCFCA) by: Isaiah Depp”

Ready, Set, (Speech and Debate) Summer!

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!!

Online Summer Camps! 

In Person Summer Camps!

One on One Coaching! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/services/ 

  • There’s nothing like a coaching session to give you accountability for the summer! 

Over 400 Articles!

  • Look through all our past articles to see what past coaches, competitors, even National Champions wanted to share with us!

New! Limited Prep Guide! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15091/ 

  • 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!

And don’t forget Fall Clubs are right around the corner… sign up now! Space is limited! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/ 

  • Speech 101 with Heather Neumann
  • Speech 102 with Heather Neumann
  • 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!

Summer Speech and Debate Prep With Us!

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!
  • 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 
  • Purposeful Practicing 
  • Running Clubs/Club Leading
  • And More!

No time for summer prep!? We have that covered too! Fall classes and clubs are filling up! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/ And more classes will be added! Classes include…

  • Debate Readiness 
  • Speech 101
  • Speech 102
  • Fundamentals of LD
  • Fundamentals of Limited Prep
  • TP Basics
  • And More!

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

Headed to Nationals… Now What? By: Lynda DePasacreta

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…

Continue reading “Headed to Nationals… Now What? By: Lynda DePasacreta”

Online Speech Camp – This Week! Sign Up NOW!

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

Summer Camps and Fall Registration COMING SOON!

We are coming for YOU! Our hearts and minds are full and we can’t wait to show and tell and practice what the Lord has been showing us! This is going to be the best year yet!! We have students, parents, coaches, and clubs joining us from all over the country, and last year we were coaching internationally! Are you ready for the sneak peak of the line up of where we are headed this summer, and what AMAZING clubs and classes you will see from Lasting Impact! Fall 2022!!

The Lasting Impact! Summer Tour (if you aren’t on this list, you better call us NOW)

  • Charleston, SC
  • Jacksonville, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Chicago, IL
  • Dallas, TX
  • St. Paul, MN
  • And More!

Fall of 2022 (possibly MORE!)

  • Debate Readiness
  • Public Speaking 101/Speech Club
  • Public Speaking 102
  • Drama Club
  • Beginning and Intermediate LD Debate
  • Beginning and Intermediate TP Debate
  • Parli Debate
  • Apologetics Club
  • Extemp Round Table
  • Foundations of Platform Speaking

Descriptions and Registration COMING SOON! Be sure you subscribe to Lasting Impact! to see the latest updates! Do you have a place you want to see us go? Do you have a class you want to see offered? Contact heather@lastingimpact.info

Tips for (Summer) Success in Speech and Debate

The Speech and Debate Season is upon us! Wait!? Isn’t it still summer!? You still have plenty of time to prepare, right!? Yes! But there are ways to make the season a little bit easier for everyone involved (especially the parents), if you would just put a little time into summer prep! What can you be doing NOW to benefit your Speech and Debate Season? Good question… I’m glad you asked!

  1. Go to Camp! This is where the excitement and energy happens! There are in person Speech and Debate Camps happening all over the country! Get there! Trained coaches who have already dug in to get you up to speed, new connections and relationships to be formed, inspiration for the up coming year… the list can go on and on. If you aren’t signed up for camp- do it now! Check out the Lasting Impact! Camps waiting for YOU!
  2. Schedule a Coaching Session. Oh yes, I have already started coaching! Summer sessions are the best! Exploring options, bouncing ideas off of a mentor or coach… sounds like progress to me! And anytime progress is being made, means less pressure later! No body likes coming up with a last minute idea! Scheduling a session with a coach can ensure progress and accountability! Schedule a Coaching Session today with one of our Speech or Debate Coaches today!
  3. Purchase a Guide Book, Sourcebook, or other Speech and Debate Resources. There’s nothing like a little motivation to get you going. These are the perfect start to get you on your way! Lasting Impact! will be rolling out their latest resources in the next couple weeks- including our TP Sourcebook and LD Guide!! Exciting stuff to jump start your research for the new resolutions!!
  4. Set Goals. What do you want to accomplish this year? Have you thought about it? Mapping out your season or timeline will help you achieve your goals. Be realistic. Once those fall and winter activities start coming into play, how much time will you be able to dedicate to Speech and Debate? Make sure you include others in your goals or quest, this will ensure you have a team of support to help you get where you want to go!
  5. Make a List of Ideas. Start a list NOW! Keep the list handy. Put in on your phone, in a notebook, on your bulletin board. Explore the list in your free time, at least once a week, or even better yet, once a day. Do you want to do an Interpretive Speech? What books should you check out of the library? What ideas are you exploring for your Persuasive or After Dinner? What is a list of themes that God is nudging you to dig deeper into? My list is on-going. It never stops! I urge you to start list and start making progress before the summer is over!
  6. Last but not least, have you signed up for a Speech or Debate Club or Class? Your local club may be filling up! I know Lasting Impact! Clubs and Classes are! Joining a club can be the perfect accountability, extra encouragement or motivation! Check out our options – Speech Basics, Platform Writing, Debate Readiness, Lincoln Douglas for Beginners, Intermediate LD, Team Policy with Breda Storz and Marc Davis, Limited Prep Crash Course, and MORE! Lasting Impact! Online Clubs and Classes have experienced coaches guiding you along the way! Check out all our options for Classes and Clubs HERE!

Lasting Impact! has been blessed to come alongside thousands of Speech and Debate students through the years, and we can’t wait to meet the next generation to come!

Walking Into Speech and Debate Camp With the Right Mindset

Ahhh- the joys of summer! I truly hope you have had the opportunity for some rejuvenation, or at least some rest and relaxation. This summer has been a bit more unique than summers past. Most speech and debate programs have turned virtual, and perhaps you are not interested. I truly hope that is not the case, because growth is waiting to happen… whether it is IN PERSON or online. Speaking of IN PERSON opportunities… There are a few IN PERSON Camps (listed below) – I’d love to see you there! But whether or not you have signed up for a Speech and/or Debate Camp, make sure you come in the right mindset…

Continue reading “Walking Into Speech and Debate Camp With the Right Mindset”