Occasionally I receive requests from new transgender community members who have been invited to speak before an academic audience, health service setting or before the larger local community. And, often as first-time speakers, these individuals are uncertain how to present themselves and transgender issues. Many contact me at the last minute, struggling in preparation, too late to contact their local speaker's bureau for tips and advise.

Providing a presentation does not have to be scary. I have introduced gender issues before large and small groups, and found each experience positive in its own way. Sometimes, I didn't know what lay before me, while other times the agenda was predictable. In almost every situation giving a presentation was an exciting experience. Continue reading to find out ways to make things positive for you.

PREPARATION. There are several overriding questions that are worthy of consideration. What type of format is expected? What type of crowd is attending your presentation? And, what information do you want people to walk away with after the event?

There are a variety of formats involved in presenting, and you will want to ask the host what has worked well in the past. If you are invited to be on a panel, this is the easiest format of all. In that setting you can bring minimal prep-notes, and basically follow the flow of conversation and question-answering with the other panel members. Prior to the event you might ask how much time is allowed for your responses if you are uncertain.

If you are a sole presenter, you will definitely want prep-notes to provide some structure to your talk. Generally a mixed approach of discussing gender issues in general, highlighted by your own personal experiences works very well.

Providing printed literature with basic transgender information is also always useful, and is commonly provided in professional settings. You can usually obtain printed literature through local support organizations. Or, at a bare minimum, provide the audience with a brief list of community and reading contacts about gender identity issues.

Your research of the group being addressed does not need to be a detailed investigation. Most of the information you need can be learned from the host who invited you. It would be useful to know what type of group or organization you are addressing. What are the organization's goals and background, and what educational background have the attendees?

If your host cannot provide this information, it often is possible to learn about groups and organizations on the Internet or in your local newspaper. The most important reason for background research is so that you may answer one critical question. How can you help your audience relate to the information you want to share?

Recently I was contacted by an individual preparing to address a gay/lesbian organization, in a location where gays and lesbians presumably were hostile toward transgender individuals. Together the presenter and I determined that finding common ground would be easy. Gays and lesbians had also experienced acceptance and coming out difficulties, discrimination, and even HIV concerns. With other types of groups the first-time speaker will want to consider what human information would be easy for the audience to understand.

INFORMATION. Above all things people who are unfamiliar with gender identity issues crave basic information. Your audience will appreciate definitions relating to transgender people and issues. You should be prepared to answer questions that may seem very familiar. -What is the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation? --What is the difference between a transsexual and crossdresser? --What type of difficulties do transgender men and women face in their daily lives? If this type of information is included in your printed handouts, that would be helpful.

If this is your first-time presentation, undoubtedly people will also want to hear about your personal experiences. -When did you know or first feel transgendered? --Do you intend to have surgery? --What difficulties have you had? --What is your life like now that you have come out or transitioned? How has your family and employer reacted?

Share as much of yourself as you feel comfortable. Do not forget, however, to inform your audience that experiences between transgender persons differ widely. You may have provide some examples of how others differ from you. What type of difficulties do transgender youth or elderly persons face? How about married or single people?

DIFFICULTIES. The most common question I receive from first-time presenters is very understandable. -What if I am asked something during a presentation that I don't know how to answer? Such a situation, however, is not a problem. Even the most experienced presenters face unanswerable questions.

You can handle difficult questions with grace. Some of my favorite responses include: --That is a question I'm still looking at myself. -I don't have an answer, but it is something worthwhile that needs further research. -And, does anyone in the audience have any suggested answers to the question?

Timing is often a difficulty for many presenters. You can run short of material or find that you brought too much to talk about. Also, a high likelihood exists that your presentation will start late, or stragglers who wander in during the middle will miss important material. I combat these situations by showing up early for each event and by intentionally setting aside a question and answer period at the end of my presentation.

Many folks feel nervous about talking in front of others, I even know seasoned professors that still have such feelings. So, if you feel nervous, you are in good company. One rewarding technique I have found that helps with jittery nerves is to become interactive with the two to five audience members at the beginning of the presentation. You might do similarly by asking a small number of people who they are, and what they hope to get from your talk.

Humor is also a great icebreaker and attention-grabber. My most favorite line is to walk into a crowded room, and upon arriving at the podium observe that I appear to be {once again} the only transsexual in the room. Then, I look around ponderously, and ask if anyone would care to come join me! Some people laugh, and it definitely catches most people's attention, at which point I introduce myself and proceed with the talk. Presentations can have a lighter side!

POTENTIAL. There are a variety of places a first-time speaker may be asked to talk about gender issues and his or her experiences. The most common are queer conference programs, which often have a panel setting, and also university classrooms. Amazingly, within academic degree programs, a lone transsexual's first-time talk about gender issues may be the only information those future professionals receive!

I have also encountered novice transgender persons who have addressed government, police departments, and other important agencies. Most often it is because transgender men and women have faced unrelenting discrimination, harassment and violence. Talking to various panels, classrooms and agencies introduces the potential for bettering quality of life for people within the transgender community.

If you find that you enjoy public speaking and activism after your first or second presentation, consider joining a transgender speaker's bureau or forming one within your local transgender social organization. Being able to speak from your experience and knowledge is one of our few protected rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, and it is the cornerstone to gaining understanding and toleration within society.