Mr Tibbs is not a pilot, judging by his profile, so some of your reply may be too technical. I'll try and de-tech it!
Basically, the aircraft is descended at high speed until speed limit regulations are encountered (or ATC requires a slower speed). This will be at 10,000ft in many countries, and at specific distances from holding fixes in others. The speed will be reduced to 250kts, then holding speed if applicable. Flaps will not be deployed normally until the base leg part of the approach whilst slowing to 180kts-ish and gear will be lowered once established on the final approach.
Scroggs