Trans-Speech

[Randy]

So, I'm taking this speech class and the next type of speech we have to do is informative. I want to do it about transpeople (it won't be due for a few weeks now, but considering how my last speech went, and how important this topic is to me, I thought I'd start early). So, I want your opinion on what I should address in the speech. Here's what I've been thinking about for main topics so far. Keep in mind it can only be a maximum of six minutes long:

A. Define Transgender
      1. Transgender vs. Transsexual
      2. Sexual Orientation vs. Gender Identity
               3. I feel like there should be a third one here and I'm forgetting something...

      
B. What it's Like to be Transgender
      1. Growing up in the wrong body
      2. Coming out
                3. Rejection by society/family
      
C. Transition
      1. Therapy
      2. Hormones
      3. Surgery

Should there be a fourth point? Or maybe I should switch the last two? What do you guys think? 

[Pica Pica]

at six minutes long, this is probably more than enough. If you deliver it calm, slowly and in control you shouldn't have problem with not enough material - the difficulty will be explaining everything simply and precisely.

[RebeccaFog]

Keep in mind it can only be a maximum of six minutes long:

A. Define Transgender
      1. Transgender vs. Transsexual
      2. Sexual Orientation vs. Gender Identity
               3. I feel like there should be a third one here and I'm forgetting something...

      
B. What it's Like to be Transgender
      1. Growing up in the wrong body
      2. Coming out
                3. Rejection by society/family
      
C. Transition
      1. Therapy
      2. Hormones
      3. Surgery

Should there be a fourth point? Or maybe I should switch the last two? What do you guys think? 

Hi,

   I'm thinking that 6 minutes is not a long time. Out of the 3 parts, I'd say that it may be more important to stress the first two. Some people wig out when they hear the medical parts of transitioning.  That would be a topic all it's own. Explaining each phase and using known histories for references.

   It depends on the sophistication of the crowd. If they're open minded and intellectually curious, then part 3 is okay.  If they are going to possibly be hearing the concepts for the first time, it may be better to stick to the first 2 and give them a solid definition followed by a strong sense of what it's like in today's world to be trangendered.

   It's only my opinion and not a critique of any sort. As I said, some people who are not prepared, may have a squeamish reaction to the medical part.

   I do think people should understand our medical needs. It's important if we're ever going to get insurance companies and the government to wise up.  It's just that I wonder how far you can go in 6 minutes with all 3 parts?


Rebis

[trapthavok]

That is PIMPIN'. Nice choice of topics man!

I took a speech class about a year ago. Trust me, those are MORE than enough points. Make sure you rehearse a LOT before the actual speech because when you do a speech about something you're passionate about it tends to run a bit longer than it's supposed to. Hopefully you're teacher is not like mine, who deducted points for every minute we went over.

Good luck!

[Jack Daniels]

Your speech is gonna wreck, man. Nice choice, makin the world less igonrant, one class at a time.

[Elwood]

You could talk about passing or post-transition life. Or you could make a legal section.

[RebeccaFog]

legalities would be interesting.

[tekla]

I would grade higher a speech that only looked at one aspect in depth as opposed to talking about every aspect in a superficial manner.  Six minutes is not a lot of time, and use specific examples and not vague generalizations.  So rather than talk about say, the troubles that people go though changing names, talk about the process for one person and what they had to go through.

[RebeccaFog]

Tekla's advice sounds good.

[Sandy]

Overall, I think your outline is great.  It should do well.

You could really make an impact if you end your speech by coming out yourself.  That is if you aren't already.

Or make it personal so it dramatizes the points that you bring out, as tekla mentioned.

Though, of course, that is a REALLY BIG STEP.

-Sandy

[ruavain]

I would grade higher a speech that only looked at one aspect in depth as opposed to talking about every aspect in a superficial manner.  Six minutes is not a lot of time, and use specific examples and not vague generalizations.  So rather than talk about say, the troubles that people go though changing names, talk about the process for one person and what they had to go through.

I agree with all of this.

I think it's great that you chose this topic, be sure to let us know how it goes.

[tekla]

Oh you don't have to use yourself as the personal example, matter of fact its better to use someone else, even a made-up person as an 'example' of what one person might face.

[Jay]

Its good that you are going to be educating people about us. Just one question are you out at your class at all?

[Randy]

First of all, thanks for all the advice! 
I do think you are right, tekla. I think I will take your advice. My class is a bit immature and (even though I was never planning on going into detail about surgical procedures or anything) I think a focus on a single struggle, would be better in this situation. So I can give them a real feel for what it's like, and not just something they could look up themselves in a textbook. I am not currently out to my class, but I have no problem doing so. It's been more of an issue of finding the right situation, I mean, I didn't want to walk in the first day and be like "Guess what everybody? I'm Trans!" You know? I didn't want them to impose their prejudices on me before they knew me. I had planned on coming out in the speech, and am now thinking about just making the first part about general definitions and then going into my story, and then briefly cover the parts of transition I've yet to come across.

We were also talking about "appropriate dress". My teacher isn't really strict on this (thank God), she just wants you to look presentable, and she says that your clothes may reflect your subject matter. I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to finally buy myself a shirt and tie! 

[tekla]

Yeah, don't end the speech with "I'm gay or something like that"  Save that till Christmas like everyone else.  And stick to something basic, that everyone can understand, like name/legal changes, and don't stress 'rejection' stress 'struggle' it makes it easier for other to ID with the subject.

[Jamie-o]

You could also consider discussing the ways we define gender.  Is it chromosomes or genitalia?  Then where do intersexed people fit in?  Is it the way we present ourselves?  Is it the way we feel?  The way we act?  Etc.  For an excellent discussion of this issue (and a really interesting read whether or not you use any of it for your speech) I highly recommend the opening chapter of Jamison Green's Becoming a Visible Man.