We were never free. However, I believe that recent technological advances and changes in gov't policy have rendered us 'less free' if that is possible. Centralised databases mean anyone in authority can find information and although we are currently governed by a so-called deomocratic gov't, it is unlikely that it will always be so. 'Security' policy now is just ammunition for a future dictatorship or police state.
Freedom to me means freedom from authority, total autonomy, and that has never, nor will ever, be because power is too attractive and greed too addictive.
As far as your speech is concerned, you could discuss civil liberties and the 'surveillance state', media influence, the increasing power being granted to individuals and relativeley small groups, increased restrictions on travel, spending, borrowing...