Truth in the NEWS

by Robert Kimzey (alumni dad)

I recently read an article about assisted dying.  The author argued that religious beliefs, like the sanctity of human life rooted in faith, should have no place in a secular society’s laws.  He framed assisted dying as a matter of personal freedom, dignity, and compassion, and described it as giving individuals control over the timing of death, akin to choices around birth or marriage.  How did the author reach this conclusion?  He approached it from a secular world view.  Did he have an agenda? Of course!  Do I?  Do you? 

Part of the NCFCA’s mission statement is to communicate truth with integrity and grace, but I rarely hear that “truth” in an Extemp speech, but students mostly approach the speech from a whitewashed secular viewpoint.  I would argue that the “truth” should be your agenda, and mine, for life.  But how do you do that in a secular news story?

I am an alum dad.  My sons Trenton and Carter were both national champions, my wife Ellen was R12 Logistics, and we were in the league six years.  Another parent and I ran an Extemp “club” for a few years which I think helped our students be more competitive.  My judging philosophy has evolved over time and I would like to share with you what I look for now, how that has changed, and how I think a competitor should approach Extemp.

Everyone says Extemp is hard…I agree.  I hear complaints from students about there being too much reading to prepare....mmhmm.  But I propose that amongst all the speeches, Apol and Extemp will do you the most good in preparing your mind and heart for the future.  They both employ critical thinking, and make you organize your thoughts to be able to give your opinion on something without insulting or alienating the listener, who may not share your viewpoint.

I used to rank ballots, and still do if I must, on the talented conglomeration of articles that support the answer to the question given.  Tie breakers for me are quality of sources, number of sources, clever intros, (I have seen quotes done in character, like President Trump, or Elon Musk with good effect), and strong conclusions.  Some use the history, present, future speech model, and some just dive in with defining the question and supporting their ultimate conclusion.  But the thing I am really looking for, which almost no one gives, is the Christian truth.  I think some examples may help.

Let’s say the question involves Zohran Mamdani (a democratic socialist) becoming the democratic NYC Mayoral nominee.  You answer the question as you see fit and then conclude with…

 "We, as Christians should take a more eternal perspective.  Our hope is never contingent on a political outcome; it’s much more secure than that.  Regardless of whether things get worse or better during your lifetime, everything eventually ends well for followers of Christ. "But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” Philippians 3:20."

Or you may choose a question about Israel and Iran continuing to trade missiles after the cease fire.  You answer the question and then drop the Christian perspective truth bomb: 

“War is heavy and ugly and reminds us of the need for redemption through Christ. Jesus came to lighten our burdens and bring us unexplainable peace. Pray that the Middle East would experience the peace that comes through Christ alone.  ““Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”” Philippians 4:6-7”

You will need bible verses and will have to really think about how you should use them.  Read the Extemp rules about how to save the verses so they are accessible during prep time.  Use them to provide the “truth” of the matter, and remind the judges that our focus should be above.  This is the way...