Prep like a Pro – News Outlets for Extemp by: Hope Rawlson

Let’s say you were about to start a years worth of soccer competition. If you were seriously trying to be at least decent you would never skip all the practices and show up to the first game completely unprepared. That’d be ridiculous and you’d definitely lose. No, you’d take the time beforehand and make sure you know how to play and play well.

It’s true with soccer and it’s true with extemp. The key to succeeding is to prepare and prepare well! If you are looking for accountability, fun, and guidance- check out Lasting Impact’s new Online Extemp Club! If you are ready to get started now… below is a list and analysis of the resources for extemp that helped me go into every tournament last year feeling completely prepared and ready to take on any topic that came my way!

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Introducing Melika McKinnis – Intensive Key Note Speaker

Have you ever been thrust into a decision or situation where you felt like it was paramount for you to do the right thing, but you didn’t know exactly what the right thing was? Making a snap decision is intimating and overwhelming, however, speech and debate alum Melika McKinnis draws from her time in Teen Pact, studies at Hillsdale College, experience in State and Federal government, and much more showing us the help we can find through a grounded faith to make weighty decisions.

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She roadmaps (as any former speech and debate student would) how we can best live out a life of restorative grace and love through showing up, standing up, and doing our part. Melika will be kicking our weekend off with the question: how can you answer your call? And then we’ll be taking the time to give you the tools to potentially answer that call in this season of speech and debate.

We hope you join us June 28 at 4:00 pm CT for Lasting Impact’s first annual Summer Intensive so you can gain advice, inspiration, perspective and more. CLICK HERE to join us! But hurry, the registration link will close.

Melika McKinnis is the Special Assistant for Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback.

Prior to joining the State Department, Melika served as the Communications Director and Press Secretary for then Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, a job she first tackled at 24 years old. Her duties included advising on message development, political strategy, and governance. She was responsible for speechwriting, media preparation, digital communications, grassroots engagement, and leading a multi-agency communications team.

Melika also served as Communications Director for Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan, and Vice President for Communications and Strategic Development for Forge Leadership Network.

Melika was a 2016 Publius Fellow through the Claremont Institute: Recovering the American Idea. As an undergraduate, she earned the Edward Everett Prize in Oratory and was named a George Washington Fellow. She holds a B.A. in Politics from Hillsdale College.

Have You Signed Up For The Intensive?? IT’S TOMORROW,!! Questions You Might Be Asking…

Are you thinking about signing up for Lasting Impact!’s first annual Online Speech and Debate Summer Prep Intensive, but just haven’t had the time yet?! Well, now is the time to make the time! The Intensive starts TOMORROW!! This is like your very own Speech and Debate Camp in your own home! Perhaps you haven’t had enough of your questions answered? Here is the scoop…

  1. Who is the Intensive for? ANYONE who wants to grow in Speech and Debate! We have carefully picked each of these sessions to jump start your summer. There is no limit to the amount of “nuggets” of information you will receive. Therefore, we believe students, parents, coaches, and clubs will benefit from joining us.
  2. When is the Intensive? It starts TOMORROW, June 28, 4:00-9:00pm CT, and SATURDAY, June 29, 9:00am-4:00pm CT
  3. Do I have to be there the whole time? Nope. You can come in and out of sessions, as you please (please be sure the mute your microphone).
  4. Can my family join? Yes, the cost of the Intensive is for your entire family. Once you have the access code, members of your family are welcome to log on, as well. You do not need to be logged in to a computer, there will be a phone number, as well.
  5. Will it be recorded? YES! Those who register will have access to the links. We ask even if your can’t be there to sign up to ensure you get the recordings. We don’t know if we will post them for purchase after the event.
  6. How do I log in? You will be receiving an email with “what to expect”, as well as the link to Zoom- our online meeting forum. Each day will have their own link. You can expect that email by noon on Friday. Please contact us, if you don’t receive an email by noon on Friday.
  7. Why should I attend? This event is for YOU! You will be able to gather information, make a plan of action, or perhaps be energized in a new event. Our panel of guests are from around the country and have years of experience they are willing to share with you!
  8. Will there be giveaways? Oh yes!! In addition to free merchandise and coaching sessions, we will have hand outs for most of our sessions. You must be present in the session for most of the giveaways.
  9. What is the cost? The cost is only $25 (for members) for your entire family.
  10. What is the schedule?  CLICK HERE
  11. Can I use the recordings in club? YEP! Club leaders are always welcome to use our articles, videos, hand outs, etc. We do this for you!
  12. Will registration close? Sadly, yes. We will need to take down the registration link before we start the event. So sign up NOW!
  13. How do I sign up? CLICK HERE

Did I miss any questions you may have? Are you hoping we answer one of your questions during one of our sessions? Please feel free to contact us – lastingimpact2016@gmail.com

Online Intensive THIS Week!! Coaches Announced…

We’re so excited for the discussions that will be taking place during the Online Speech and Debate Summer Prep Intensive this coming weekend. If you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to check out the full schedule and register today! Now it’s time to introduce the awesome coaches that will be lecturing, leading sessions, and answering your questions this weekend. They are excited to help you start your season strong and share their experiences and advice…

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Using Your Summer for Growth in Speech and Debate

Are you ready to start thinking about how to prepare during the summer? As I always say… Speech and Debate is all year long!! You are probably thinking… are you kidding me? When do we get a break? Well, I’m not saying you have to have all your speeches or cases written in July, but this is the perfect time for growth and exploration! Here are three ways to make the most of your summer!

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The Three R’s of Summer Brrreak By: Kaitlyn Butts

If you’re looking at the title of this article and laughing because you have a pile of math to wade through, don’t worry, I was there essentially every summer of my life. I know there are camps to attend, educational opportunities to participate in, and family vacations to go on. Summer break is never quite the epitome of rejuvenation we always envision, but it is a valuable period of time – whether you’re completely burned out and never want to wear a suit again or feeling mounting pressure to grind away the summer to make next season your biggest and best endeavor yet. Brrreak for the speech and debate competitor requires investment in all three Rs…

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Lasting Impact! Speech and Debate Summer Camps and Workshop Schedule

We are so excited about reaching out to so many communities this summer (and fall)! Each speech and debate camp/workshop that Lasting Impact! is a part of, is unique! More information and registration links will be coming in the next week or so. Also, Lasting Impact! Is excited to announce we will be hosting a variety of Online Workshops this Fall!! That schedule will be out by mid- August. Remember, if you are lacking motivation this summer, you can read The Value of Speech and Debate Camps. 

We hope to see you soon! Here is our schedule so far…

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Apologetics – Where to Start

Preparing in the summer for Speech and Debate? For limited prep events? Seems unnecessary, to say the least… maybe even incongruous. Despite the category’s connotations, starting prep in the summer will enable you to actualize your maximum competitive potential and derive the greatest educational benefit. This week, I’ll be sharing some strategies for conquering the task, starting with apologetics.

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Apol Ambassador Summer Prep Picks…

Swimming? Family vacation? A summer job? Camp? What are you looking forward to most this summer? In the midst of all the fun and busy-ness, stop to consider your walk with the Lord and stay faithful in your study of His Word! Below we have compiled a list of fantastic apologetics resources for you to enjoy over the next few months. Our Apologetics Ambassadors Joel, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Kaitlyn gave their top picks for summer prep.

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The Value of Summer Speech and/or Debate Camp

Tis the season… to go to camp? Fa-lala-la-la…. Wait a minute- it’s summer!  Aren’t we all on break? No one is thinking of Speech and Debate now, right? WRONG! As I was sitting in my living room last week, with some Speech and Debate friends,  I heard multiple reasons for NOT going to a Speech and/or Debate Camp…

If you must know, it was a friendly debate… And I think I won. But I didn’t just want to convince them, I wanted them to believe it!

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