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Content that does not require a membership

Online Apologetics- Sign Up for Second Semester

Posted on by Heather Neumann

You still have one more semester to grow with Online Apol…

What is Online Apol? We are an online community to help you or your student to grow deeper in their  faith and prepare in Apologetics!

  • Are you frantically writing apologetics cards for tournaments coming soon?
  • Are you diving in to apologetics mid-season?
  • Are you looking for accountability, challenging discussion, and encouragement in NCFCA apologetics prep and competition?
  • Do you know someone who could use Online Apol.?

It’s not too late to join Online Apologetics! We have one more semester ahead and a semester of class recordings and resources behind us! All available to members!

Every Tuesday evening 8:15-9:15 central kids (and sometimes their parents) from around the country gather together online to experience Online Apol.-  a community of students growing, studying God’s word, learning to defend what they believe. NCFCA Alumni, college graduate, Rachel Bechtel, leads the group. Rachel states, “We have had an amazing semester so far- learning and growing together. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for 2017.” Joining along side Rachel weekly is Alumni, college ambassadors, who competed in Apol., giving back to a younger generation about something they feel passionate about! Each week a student is encouraged to share a card to receive feedback. Encouragement is given, as well as tips on how to prepare and practice.

“Thank you so much for Online Apol. It has been a great opportunity for my child. I am so thankful for the personal accountability, and emphasis on growth, rather than the competition.” ~ parent

“I am so grateful for my Online Apol. friends. I now feel I am prepared to write my cards with confidence.” ~student

“I appreciate the teaching the most about Online Apol. Thank you so much for organizing this! It has helped me in card writing and in general knowledge.” ~ student

Online Apol. is only $25 for the year. Although you would be signing up mid-year, you still have access to all of our recorded meetings… Including a visit from Chap Bettis- pastor and author of “Fearless Apologetics.”

Still not convinced… Here is what our Apologetics Ambassadors have to say about Apologetics…

Myles McLean- “Apologetics challenged me to know how to deal with the tough questions. I still don’t always have the right answer, but it taught me how to express what I do know in an honest, genuine manner. Being okay with not knowing every little detail of the Christian faith, and instead focusing on the big truths and trusting the Holy Spirit to move within the hearts of those who you come into contact with.”

Joel Erickson- “Don’t be daunted by the seemingly insurmountable 105 questions. Approach the category with an “I-can-do-all-things-through-Christ-who-gives-me-strength” mentality.  Focus on preparing for Apologetics as a way to enrich your relationship with God and teach some judges about His grandeur.”

Stefanie Klaves- “Growing up in a Christian home, I thought I “knew” God and Christian fundamentals. After engaging in a few conversations with Buddhists and Atheist friends, I realized that I couldn’t adequately articulate why I believed what I believed, why the Bible is more reliable than other holy books, or why the Christian faith is preferable to their religious beliefs.”

The group will take a break this week, but will start up again in Jan. and go through April. We would love to have you join us! To sign up click here.

 

Another Product! The Ultimate Duo Handbook!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

The Duo Team of Heather Neumann and Kristi Eskelund have done it again… They have written an amazing resource that you can quickly get your hands on. Introducing–

The Ultimate Duo Handbook… An Essential Guide for Duo Interpretation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I don’t think I have seen anything like this! An all-in-one guide that covers everything you need to know about Duo Interpretation. I love this resource, especially the value!” ~parent

The Ultimate Duo Handbook has over 40 pages of instruction, examples, and fun! Kristi and Heather provide a very thorough approach to help students, coaches, and parents tackle the art of Duo Interpretation. Contents include…

Why Duo

What’s Your Duo Style

The Duo Chopping Block

Teamwork

The Duo Partner Worksheet

The Distance Duo

Creating Characters

Duo Activities

and so much more!!

Purchase your Ebook today for the introductory price of $9.95! It’s easy! Simply purchase the book, and tap the link to down load this amazing manual.  Once you purchase the book, the download link is on the finished order page.

“Wow! I LOVED it! Practical wisdom at a bargain price!” ~ parent

Heather Neumann and Kristi Eskelund have coached numerous successful Duo Teams, including their own children. Heather says, “Duos are near and dear to our hearts. It seemed appropriate that our first handbook would be all about Duos! We can’t wait to see what God lays on our hearts next!”

 

Alumni Interview- Stefanie Klaves- Why Apol.

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Stefanie Klaves competed in NCFCA for four years. Her NCFCA highlights include placing 2nd and 3rd in team policy debate at the 2014 & 2015 National Championship, 1st place in Persuasive at the 2014 Minnesota National Open, and 1st place in Apologetics at four tournaments including the 2016 Region VI Regional Championship. While in high school, she also authored for Monument Publishing’s debate sourcebooks and worked as an intern at the Hildebrand Law Firm LLC.

Stefanie is currently attending a Bible school & ministry internship in Kansas City, Missouri. This upcoming March, she will move to Taipei, Taiwan for a five month YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Discipleship Training School. In the Fall of 2017, she plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in political science. Her dream is to become a lawyer specializing in international law.

1. When did you start competing in apologetics, and how long did you compete?

I started competing in apologetics my second year in NCFCA as a sophomore in high school. I competed through my senior year.

2. Why did you compete in apologetics?

Growing up in a Christian home, I thought I “knew” God and Christian fundamentals. After engaging in a few conversations with Buddhists and Atheist friends, I realized that I couldn’t adequately articulate why I believed what I believed, why the Bible is more reliable than other holy books, or why the Christian faith is preferable to their religious beliefs. Desiring to equip myself for future conversations, I wrote almost 100 apologetics cards over one summer and signed up for apologetics at the next tournament.

3. What is one thing you would do differently if you went back again to do apologetics?

Read books! I wish I would have delved deeper into the apologetics topics by reading Christian classics. I wrote most of my cards by gathering information from websites. However, in the past months I’ve read books that tackle many of the 101 topics with in-depth analysis and explanation. Helpful classics that I wish I read in high school include: Knowledge of the Holy by AW Tozer (This is a must read. What does it mean that God is eternal, omniscient, merciful, and omnipotent?), Knowing God by J. I. Parker (Another great source for Category 1), The Case For Faith by Lee Strobel (Why is there suffering? Why does a loving God send people to hell?), and The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey (Category 5 tool). Taking the extra time to read books will strengthen your speeches and help you stand out. Many speakers I’ve talked to feel that their answers are “too generic”, and that’s mainly because a lot of them (including myself) prepared their speeches from the same, top ten webpages from Google. Reading classics will help you find fresh perspectives and unique illustrations.

4. What was your favorite “moment” while competing in apologetics (favorite ballot, special connection, a conversation, something you studied, etc..)?

Many of the NCFCA apologetics topics include common objections to Christianity. My favorite moments were when I heard those common objections that I studied while writing my apologetics cards in real-world contexts. For example, while street evangelizing at a Haunted House fair, one lady I talked to believed “All matter, energy, and life are an interconnected unity of which we are an inseparable part” along with reincarnation, extra-canonical books, and truth relativism. I loved the opportunity to share what I learned in humility and love.

5. What are you doing now (that you’re done.. out of competition, etc.)?

I just finished a six month bible school internship, and I will be attending a YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Discipleship Training School in Taipei, Taiwan in March. In the fall, I plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in political science and eventually a law degree.

6. Anything else you’d like to say that’s on your heart?

Compete in apologetics for the Lord. I know you want to win tournaments and give perfect speeches, and pursuing excellence is not a bad thing. In high school I spent hours upon hours writing cards and practicing speeches. I gave apologetics speeches to the bathroom mirror, backyard tree, and neighbor cat. When my last Regionals neared, I wanted to speak my absolute best and show the judges I deserved to win. And then… I got sick. My voice was hoarse, my nose was running, and my cough was obnoxious. Perfect presentation? Not going to happen. I was unsure if I’d be able to compete at all. At Regionals I had to reexamine my heart and remind myself of the reason why I decided to compete in apologetics. I surrendered to the Lord and told Him that I was competing for his glory. I put aside fancy language and spoke from the heart. (And you never know what might happen when you do that. At this particular tournament, I placed 1st in Apologetics after all.)

Chap Bettis is joining us… TONIGHT

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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We are super excited Chap Bettis will be joining our Online Apol Group TONIGHT! We still have more than half a season to grow deeper in Apologetics. Why not consider being a member NOW!?

You can sign up by clicking here.

Apologetics Online meets on Tue. evenings at 8:15-9:15 CST. Chap Bettis will be our guest speaker tonight. Chap is the author of Fearless Apologetics, an excellent apologetics sourcebook, and he is the founder of The Apollos Project. Check it out! https://www.theapollosproject.com/ He has been involved in the ministry and NCFCA apologetics for many years – prepare to be encouraged!

Creating Goals and Goal Setting

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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I am always amazed every year when I talk to a speech camp or club about goals. It’s strange to me to think that so many students are in speech competitions without goals! For me, creating a goal is one of the first steps toward the path of success….

The simple definition of goal from Merriam Webster is- something that you are trying to do or achieve. However, I think most students need to start with setting a goal. The definition of goal setting according to mindtools.com is “a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve, and ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it.”

How is one supposed to know what they want to achieve with out thinking about it and making a plan? If my goal is to make it to The National Championship, but I don’t plan on putting much time into my speech…  How is that going to work? Or worse, I want to go to Regionals, but I haven’t told my parents and they are planning a vacation that weekend. Goal setting will help you in the long run create those tasks that need to get done in order to achieve the grand prize.

So why do I think goal setting is so important? Reasons to create goals…

1. Creating a goal allows you to be the best you possible.

Sometimes I find kids go into “I don’t care” mode. This is usually a coping-mechanism. Students feel like if they don’t put forth effort, it won’t matter as much- if they don’t do well. However, by creating goals they own what they are doing. They become accountable to their dreams.

APPLICATION- Try choosing a goal to stretch yourself.  By getting out of your comfort zone, you will grow, and potentially become better. Don’t stay safe!

2. Making a goal keeps you focused.

By creating goals you are more likely to keep your eye on the prize. Imagine being a soccer player with out a soccer goal, a basketball player without a hoop? Speech should have similar goals. The goal to break or advance to Regionals or Nationals will drive you, because you will continue to strive toward that goal. By setting goals it allows you to stay focused and gives you a target to shoot for.

3. Sharing your goals keeps you accountable.

Goals are meant to be shared. So many kids I coach don’t tell their parents or peers their goals! What?! Who is going to keep you accountable? If I really don’t want to eat that last piece of chocolate cake, the more family members I tell, the more likely they will help me not eat the cake! Your support system (mainly your parents) want to help you succeed. Be sure to include them on the path. Whether the path leads to success or not, it is always nice to have someone cheering you on, or waiting to give you that hug!!

4. Goal setting keeps you motivated.

Having goals gives you something to focus your energy, your mind, and your emotions on. Setting goals gives students the drive sometimes they will need when things don’t go their way. Having something to strive toward can be just the motivation to make sure what needs to be done.

5. Goals keep you on track.

When you measure your goals progress, you don’t have to start with ultimate goals. You can create small goals to keep you on track. Early in the season you can create target dates and experience the excitement of achievement with each mini goal that will propel you to reach your larger goals.

Why do Extemp?

Posted on by Heather Neumann

imageRikki Eskelund tried Extemporaneous Speaking her Senior year. Although she tried every single event in her NCFCA career, she wishes that she had done Extemp before her last year, as it has been a huge benefit to her in post-NCFCA life! Currently, Rikki is pursuing a degree in professional communication dealing with managing and marketing.

Continue reading “Why do Extemp?” →

Why Participate in Speech and Debate

Posted on by Heather Neumann

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Why should you or your student participate in Speech and/or Debate? Every year I love to ask my students at club or at a camp this question. After I get some of the typical responses out of the way, “my mom made me, so I can debate my siblings better, etc.”, we arrive to some pretty fabulous answers.

Public speaking is a very common fear. In fact, most of us who participate in Speech and Debate realize that statistics show the majority people would rather be dead in the coffin, than giving the eulogy! Speech anxiety can lead individuals to feel helpless as well as incapable of communicating with others. One of the best ways to overcome glossophobia is to develop confidence, which only comes through practice. By participating in Speech and Debate, a speaker will have the ability to learn a wide range of different speaking events, ranging from interpretation speeches to persuasion and impromptu speaking.

Below are some of the reasons my students and I have come up with why they should participate in Speech and Debate….

1. Self Confidence

As long as we are alive we are going to continue to communicate. Learning to speak clearly and effectively will benefit us for years to come. The experience one will gain by standing up in front of an audience with professionalism and poise will help to enhance their self confidence. Self confidence is a huge factor for life. Almost all professions have some level of communication, learning the art of communication will only propel you further faster, because you will learn to become more confident.

2. Organization

In order to give a prepared speech, you need to prepare! Learning to get your thoughts and materials all organized and ready for presentation is a big feat! Preparing effective speeches involves reading through research, and writing effectively.

3. Practice makes Perfect

Very rarely does a person write a masterpiece on their first try. By participating in a Speech and Debate League you will write and rewrite, you will give a speech over and over again. You’ll learn to become conscious of timing – when to pause and how long for. You’ll learn about vocal variety – how to shift through changes of volume, speech rate and tone. Your articulation will be become clearer. You are practicing to become an excellent communicator, not just for a tournament or for a first place… For life.

4. Power

By standing up and speaking, you have an amazing sense of power! You have the ability to speak in a way that will change peoples minds. If you’re able to master the skill- you can change minds AND hearts. By finding your power, whether it’s within you, or in your message, you will be honing one of the major aspects of leadership.

5. Being able to think on your feet

Not every situation allows you the time to prepare or process an answer. Limit Prep Speech Categories, as well as Debate pushes students to think on their feet. Being able to quickly establish well thought-up arguments and ideas are qualities that are vital in being a well-rounded communicator.

If these reasons don’t compel you, listen to a past competitor… Erwin Zhu, a University of California Berkeley, Business major, states, “When I look back on high school, the most rewarding and meaningful organization I joined was the Speech and Debate Team. Not only did it allow me to step outside my normal social and academic bubble, it allowed me to become more knowledgeable as well as proficient in public speaking and communication. Many students today still hold an inherent bias towards activities focused on public speaking and argumentation. What’s important to understand is that these activities are not limited to a singular message, but focus on the development of a set of skills – Speech and Debate help you develop your own unique voice, one that can be amplified in whatever career path you choose to pursue. In a world becoming more digitalized and reclusive, it remains important to remember the power of verbal communication of ideas from one individual to another.”

If you have reasons why you think it’s important to participate in Speech and Debate… Please feel free to write in the comment box below!

Lasting Impact Video Gallery

Posted on by Heather Neumann

I am super excited to announce a new element to our Lasting Impact website. We have a new Video Gallery! In the gallery we will be adding videos of speeches for your viewing pleasure. Learn great tips and techniques as you watch other perform their award winning speeches. We may also add videos demonstrating what not to do. This video gallery will sit along side our photo gallery in the Community section of the website. A membership is required to view the videos.  While you are in the community area, please feel free to visit our forum and start up conversations with other members.  Also, our photo gallery is eagerly waiting for you to upload photos that you want to share with the Lasting Impact community.

You can view what we have in the gallery so far by clicking here.

If you are not a member, but want to join, please click here to sign up. Remember, tell your friends about Lasting Impact!