Toastmasters International -Toastmasters Siblings

Colton Bryant with James Caviness, a member of the Citrus Toastmasters club in Orlando, Florida.

In 2023, Todd Bryant brought his 6-year-old daughter, Cambrie, to her first Toastmasters meeting, where she won the ribbon for best Table Topics^® speaker. Two years later, Bryant’s 6-year-old son, Colton, attended his first meeting and also won the best Table Topics ribbon.

“Lindsey [my wife] and I are extremely proud of both children for stepping out of their comfort zones to attend these meetings,” Bryant says. “Not only did they attend, but they both voluntarily participated.”

Bryant joined Toastmasters in 2017 to further his career, but his membership soon inspired his children. “They are both very competitive with each other,” Bryant explains, and when Cambrie came home with her ribbon, Colton was motivated to attend and speak as well. Although Bryant told Colton he needed to wait until he was 6 years old, he was ready when the time came.

Before the meeting, Bryant says he helped Colton prepare by discussing possible questions and answers and the importance of being brave and speaking loudly. Cambrie also explained what to expect and encouraged Colton not to be afraid. During Table Topics, the Topicsmaster asked Colton rapid-fire questions about going back to school and preparing for the first grade.

When asked how Colton felt when he won, Bryant said, “He felt great! Winning a ribbon is rewarding regardless of your age or years of experience.”

Bryant thinks it’s important to teach his children about public speaking early, and these experiences in Toastmasters have helped boost Colton’s and Cambrie’s confidence.

He explains, “With screens and other devices being introduced at younger and younger ages, those who can get up in front of others and speak eloquently will be the leaders of their organizations and communities.”