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!

New Resource Alert! Limited Prep Guide

Looking for an all in one limited prep resource that is practical and easy to use? Looking for a resource that can grow with you- from beginner, to intermediate, and beyond? Look no further!!! The Lasting Impact! Limited Prep Guide has what you are looking for…
– Impromptu
– Mars Hill
– Extemporaneous
– Apologetics
Whether you are a student, parent, club leader or coach- use this guide to elevate your skills!!
Plus!!! BONUS RESOURCE!!!
The Limited Prep Resource Packet… compilations of lists, prompts, quotes, questions, and more!!
Over 200 pages of tips and tricks to master limited prep speaking! This is an excellent tool for the tool box!! Head to the SHOP and get yours today! It’s on SALE for the month of June!

Have you seen our RESOURCES recently? We have everything from Guide Books to Source Books for Juniors, Beginners, Novices, Intermediate, and Advanced! We also cater our products to students, as well as parents, coaches, and clubs! Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact Heather@lastingimpact.info

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”

Why Compete in Speech and Debate? By: Emalyn (Sharp) George

What’s Your Focus?

This part of the season is particularly stressful. The last qualifiers are passing by, spelling the end of the season for some, and the road to Regionals for others. Exhaustion sets in as energy starts to run low. You have been giving these speeches and researching for debate for four months now, if not more. You trade social activities for brief building, and spend your time talking to walls in an attempt to get your accents perfected. After months of competition and being scrutinized by judges and submitting yourself to emotional and physical exhaustion for three to four days straight, you are likely worn out.

Why are you doing this Speech and Debate activity? 

Continue reading “Why Compete in Speech and Debate? By: Emalyn (Sharp) George”

NCFCA 2024 TP (proposed) Resolution Analysis by: Honor Hoffmann

Proposed team policy resolutions can be very hit-or-miss. Some years, the entire slate of options is highly promising (like in 2022, when NCFCA debaters could choose from tribal issues, federal prisoners, or housing concerns). Other years, the provided choices leave debaters wondering who exactly is in charge of proofing these suggestions (while increasing development assistance to Honduras, Guatemala, or El Salvador is an important topic, it doesn’t exactly lend itself well to breadth of research). 

Fortunately, this year’s NCFCA lineup is more the former than the latter. While each option has its pros and cons (we’ll get into those in a moment), each would be a perfectly reasonable and interesting topic to spend a season debating…

Continue reading “NCFCA 2024 TP (proposed) Resolution Analysis by: Honor Hoffmann”

Learn to Think Like Your Opponent: Why Debaters Thrive in the Real World by: Liliana Zylstra

Could the skills learned in high school speech and debate be part of the solution to the culture’s ideological conflict and political division? I believe the answer is yes. Participating in debate is the best way to learn one crucial skill that is incredibly needed and often overlooked. Debate requires students to fairly evaluate views that they don’t hold…

Continue reading “Learn to Think Like Your Opponent: Why Debaters Thrive in the Real World by: Liliana Zylstra”

Creating an Affirmative Hitsheet by: Clare Cey

If you’re in Team Policy Debate, hopefully by now you have a wealth of evidence dumped somewhere, ready to use at your first tournament. The problem comes when you’re in a debate round, trying to find where exactly you put that one perfect card. 

I present to you – the affirmative hitsheet…

Continue reading “Creating an Affirmative Hitsheet by: Clare Cey”