Pre-match speech by coach Vladimír Országh (49), who escaped from the Slovakian dressing room before the duel with the Czech Republic, became an instant internet hit. While the fans were having fun at the vulgar remark, the mental coach Dag Palovič for evaluated the coach’s performance from a different angle. While he defends the tactical content, he criticized the way it was delivered and the choice of words. Although the coach cannot be denied the effort to stir up the team, according to him that was far from an ideal motivational speech.
The former presenter admitted that the content of the speech itself was not bad, but it lacked the most important thing – the correct delivery. He does not blame the coach for vulgarity at the end, which is common in the sports environment and can bring the necessary impetus. However, the problem was the lack of energy and voice work.
“For me, I have to say that the controversial speech before the match with the Czech Republic was very weak. And without emotion!” evaluated. An experienced expert pointed out that both gesticulation and intonation were indistinct. “There must be a command and not all told in one monotonous style, like a snake charmer!” added Palovič.
Another significant mistake, according to the mental coach, was the wrong wording of the sentences. In his speech, Országh too often used words that do not convey certainty. “I would criticize him for using words like we want, we need, we should, we try, we have to… I would formulate it: “Let’s be active!” We will be reasonable!’ We want them too weak. We must be too binding,” explains.
At the same time, he also criticized the phrase “they have to, we want”. He points out that wanting without decisive action does not lead to success. “If we want, we’ll just stay with wanting. Ninety-nine percent of guys want to be rich and successful, 99% of women want to meet a prince on a white horse… The will is very weak,” he explained. Although Palovič does not question Országh’s hockey qualities, he advises that unless someone is a natural communicator, it is worth consulting with experts about the speeches. He adds that if if vulgarity is to be heard in the dressing room, it must be supported by a strong emotion, otherwise it loses its effect.
