Currently I train at a resort out in the Caribbean. In my classes, the clients can vary greatly. One thing I run into frequently is the motivation can sometimes inadvertently push the speed of the training. Seems most individuals I train have high motivation but seem to train at fast tempos. It is very hard sometimes to get a group of fast trainees to slow it down if they don't actually understand the exercise. This is something that is vital to avoiding bad habits and possibly gaining an injury. Slow tempo training is one of the best ways to get allow the neuromuscular system to learn the given exercise patterns correctly.
Run into an exercise that you don't know (the exception being plyometric and max load exercises), it's always best to simply slow it down. The slow tempo is not only for the prevention of bad form and mechanics but it also eliminates a lot of "elastic energy". Without elastic energy, it will be easier to assess if the relevant muscles associated with an exercise are actually able to perform the exercise correctly, without any undesired pain or tension, or more muscles being recruited to aid in the exercises (synergistic dominance).
A really good example is the basic straight leg sit up. Simple enough for most people to do. However, if the elastic energy is removed by slowing down the tempo, it is easier to tell if the abdominals are strong enough to do their job and curl up the upper body. In many cases if there is a strength or muscle recruitment problem, the legs will lift from the ground as the torso rises. This an example of hip flexors, are actually dominating the weaker abdominal muscles.
Slowing down a given exercise can be a humbling experience. I believe this is why so many people avoid it. No one wants to find out an exercise he thought he was good at, he really sucks pretty bad at . It can be a truly humbling experience but it is a great way to keep the training safe and beneficial.
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