Bad Quote by Rod Laver
“It occurred to me that it would benefit me to play without emotion - well, without emotion others could see, anyway. Card players profited from having a poker face so opponents wouldn't know how good or bad their hand was, and I figured a deadpan expression would work in tennis, too.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Speech, 2010
Adopting a neutral facial expression hides your true state, preventing opponents from gaining a psychological edge.
In simple terms: Hide your feelings to avoid giving clues.
Key Takeaway
Control your expression to stay unpredictable.
Themes
competition
psychology
strategy
Mood
focused
strategic
calm
Type
tactical
psychological
advice
When to use this quote
- tennis matches
- business negotiations
- public speaking
- competitive gaming
- political debates
Key Concepts
Poker face
emotional regulation
deception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does facial control affect your own focus?
- When is showing emotion advantageous?
A Different Perspective
If you appear too stoic, opponents may assume confidence and adjust tactics.
