The speed of a bitcoin transaction depends on the peers involved in the exchange of good and services. The network is mainly involved in security, that's where the confirmation comes in, have you heard of Zero confirm merchants. So, if you are cool with the next person, you can send them what they paid for knowing that after the confirmation process your funds will definitely get to you. What then is speed about the Bitcoin network? The funds goes in immediately to your address balance, but needs at least 1 confirm before it reflects on your wallet, just to secure the funds from double spending. I've met some people who don't wait for the confirmation process before they send me what I've paid for, this time, the speed of a bitcoin transaction has to do with trust. If you don't trust that person please wait a little while before giving out your own side of the deal. I think it's a straight forward experience.