This series consists of records relating to support for President Wolfensohn's speaking engagements from throughout his presidency. This includes speeches both internal to the World Bank Group (WBG) and at external events. Exceptions include addresses he made at Annual and Spring Meetings and, in some cases, speeches he made while on mission travel; records related to these engagements are arranged elsewhere in this subfonds. Briefing materials for speaking engagements were primarily compiled by staff in the Office of the President's (EXC) Middle Office which included the president's speechwriter. Materials were also contributed by staff in other WBG units, especially the Office of External Relations (EXT). The Middle Office also oversaw the planning and logistics for speaking engagements.

External audiences for President's speeches are varied as are the occasions upon which he was asked to speak. These include: keynote speeches at conferences, forums, and similar events; the launch, inauguration, or anniversary of programs or institutions; speeches at various receptions and other social events; and others. Speaking engagements internal to the WBG generally include conferences, forums, and various training or team-building events.

Briefing materials for each speaking engagement range in size from thin, grey portfolio folders containing only a single briefing note to large accordion folders containing a variety of materials. Most folders include a "Document Log" sheet at the beginning or end of the records that is generated by EXC's document management system. The information contained in the log is not consistent, but may include event name, speech title, date and time of Wolfensohn's speech, location, program information, contact information, and a list of other activities that he will participate in.

The briefing materials themselves generally include either the text for a speech to be given by Wolfensohn or, more often, talking points or a briefing memo from which he would base his speech. Some of thesematerials have handwritten notes or other markings on them, presumably made by Wolfensohn in preparation for the speech.

Briefing materials often contain a cover note describing the purpose and objective of the speech, main topics or issues to be addressed, the list of potential audience members, and/or possible sensitivities. The original invitation to speak is often included, as is promotional information relating to the event he will be speaking at, when applicable. Background information on the eventand reference material relating to the topic of Wolfensohn's speech may also be included; the latter can include relevant reports and fact sheets, materials distributed by even organizers, and background information on the organization, host country, or, in the case of internal speaking engagements, the WBG unit that is hosting the engagement. At larger events, lists of other speakers and their biographies are sometimes included. Minutes for these engagements are sometimes included, but rarely. Transcriptsof his speeches are also sometimes added to the folder after the event has concluded.

This series also consists of briefing materials for speaking events that Wolfensohn videotaped ahead of time when he could not participate in person. Materials related to these events are not significantly different from in-person speaking engagement in that they usually have information about the event, background information, etc., in addition to the speech or talking points for the speech he will be giving.

Also included in this series is a compilation of speech notes, talking points, etc., from 1999. The records are organized by month and appear to be the reference collection of EXC speechwriter Dale Lautenbach.