Building Confidence Through World Taekwondo
My story is about how World Taekwondo has helped build my self-confidence.
My name is Sean McLarty, and I've been a World Taekwondo black belt for 10 years. In my day job, I work in an office environment where being able to effectively communicate is essential. Before becoming a World Taekwondo black belt, I struggled with public speaking—it was a big problem for me. The mere thought of addressing a group made my palms sweat, my heart race, and my ears burn hot with embarrassment.
That all changed when I began helping to teach World Taekwondo classes. As a black belt instructor, I've had to learn to lead classes, demonstrate techniques, and explain complex concepts to students of all ages. At first, it was daunting, but with each class, my confidence grew. I learned to project my voice, maintain eye contact, and engage my audience—skills that are crucial for effective teaching. Quickly, I found myself thinking clearly while presenting and learning how to improvise. I could see the changes it was making to me, and I began to look forward to teaching.
The real test came when, before I knew it, it was my sister's wedding day. She had asked me to be the one who walked her down the aisle, and of course, there would be wedding speeches. To my surprise, when it came time to stand on stage, that familiar flutter of nerves was gone. It was a big crowd—easily 300 people—but I now had the confidence and experience to know I could get through this.
From that day on, public speaking has no longer been an issue for me. The discipline, focus, and self-assurance I had cultivated as a World Taekwondo instructor had seamlessly translated into my ability to communicate effectively in front of an audience. It's a testament to the power of World Taekwondo in building not just physical strength, but also inner confidence—proving that the skills learned in World Taekwondo can empower every aspect of life. I am very grateful for these opportunities that World Taekwondo has given me.
Sean McLarty - October 27, 2024
For more information please contact info@worldtaekwondo.com.au
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