The joke becomes kinder when it does not depend on the learner’s mistake.

Laughter aimed at a beginner’s error costs more than it looks like it does. The moment is small and usually affectionate, but the person now knows that trying in front of people carries a risk of becoming the story. Beginners are already deciding whether to keep speaking, keep asking, keep attempting, and that decision is made from moments like this one.

When someone new gets it wrong, laugh at the situation or at yourself instead. Tell them about the same mistake when you made it. Save the funny version of their error for a time when they are the one telling it.