Selected Events 2008

Consulate Promotes English in Leipzig Through Toastmaster

Photo from right: Koetteritzsch accepts his prize from event patron, Leipzig Deputy Mayor Uwe Albrecht, and at far left is master of ceremonies, Paul Fröhling.

January 28, 2008. Consul Mark Wenig’s efforts to establish the first-ever Toastmasters Club in eastern Germany has not only taken hold after the club was officially chartered last September, but one of the officers has just won first prize in a much-publicized English speech contest on January 28. Ronald Koetteritzsch of the Congress Center Leipzig took the prize for best speech at the English Business Club’s 8th annual “Elevator Pitch Night”, where contestants have just three minutes to make a marketing “pitch” as if in an elevator. Koetteritzsch’s topic was the new Leipzig Toastmasters Club, and how the U.S.- founded organization helps people the world over gain confidence through public speaking. The event attracted over 200 people, mainly young business professionals.