My next speech is on BDSM. My audience is my best friend, not the class, and my goal for the speech is seeking adherence or persuading someone into feeling a certain way. This is a very basic rough draft of my speech. Tell me what you think.

Thesis: Your sex life will benefit by clearing misconceptions regarding BDSM.

I Problem: There are many misconceptions regarding BDSM.

A. Kink is a spectrum.
i. “Vanilla” relationships on one extreme like to spice things up while “kinky” relationships on the other live a 24/7 lifestyle.
ii. Dominant does not equal “domineering”.
a. By definition, “dominant” does not mean “to dominate”—it means “to control”.

B. Kink is not abuse.
i. All BDSM relationships practice safe sex.
a. Most people understand that a “safe word” is an abstract word used to stop play, but most people are unaware of
b. “Soft limits” vs “hard limits”: Personal boundaries or limits agreed upon before play.

II Cause: There are many misconceptions regarding the BDSM community.

A. Pop culture portrays a negative view on the BDSM community.
i. 50 Shades of Grey

B. Mental health is one of the main concerns of the BDSM community.
i. Is it “normal” to be kinky?

III Solution: Your sex life will benefit by clearing misconceptions regarding BDSM.

A. Understanding where you stand on the kink spectrum will empower your sexuality.

B. Understanding that kink is not abuse will empower your relationships.

C. Understanding BDSM will shed light on the power of pop culture.

D. Understanding that BDSM is not a sign of a mental illness will empower your sexual identity.