Read Richard's post like six times, and commit it to memory. That's about the most apt and honest summation of BDSM I think I've ever read. Seriously, well done sir.

Keep in mind, you're going into a topic with a LOT of misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding it, and something that is rarely openly discussed. A good way to start the speech, I think, would be to mention 50 Shades and how many equate that as what BDSM is. Speak on that briefly, and then *shatter* the notion. It'll get their attention PDQ.

Do you recall my understanding of BDSM when I was new around here? Asking you to stretch your memory a bit, but I'd argue that is what most people who don't understand it are like. There's a general feel for it, but a lack of understanding as to terms, acts, and the biggest point...why. If you put the "why people do it" part towards the end, I think it'd let you end your speech on a thought provoking and emotive note...people like their warm fuzzies.

So, if I were in your audience? Grab my attention. That's the first part. If you're boring me, I'm out...ask my Christian Ethics professor. Explain to me some of the terms, but only the key points...don't give your audience a vocabulary test. I'd want to know procedure, such as consent, limits, and lifestyle. I would want to know, after you've explained all this, why someone would do this. It creates a nice dichotomy in your speech...you're posing an idea that involves what most would equate as pain, which will sit negatively in your audience, and then you're taking that negativity and flipping it on its head by showing the amount of trust and respect that has to go into a BDSM relationship for it to work. End it with a expression that you hope to have cleared up any misunderstandings, and ask for questions if you've time.

lol I managed to pull of an A in public speaking, and my talking speed is a little over light speed and I tend to tongue tie myself as a result. You should be fine.

Good luck! If I can do anything to help, I'm open to proof reads, and if you want, I can try to revert to my old "what the hello kitty is BDSM?" self if you need to bounce an idea off the audience.

Hugs,
Harley