Don't Assume the Room Can Take a Joke

A few years ago, Helena interviewed tennis legend Andre Agassi live on stage. What was meant to be a playful, light-hearted conversation quickly turned tense. Helena, known for gently teasing her subjects, assumed a global sports icon like Agassi would be unfazed. But she misread the room—or rather, the man.

Had she recalled Agassi’s brutally honest memoir Open, she might’ve known better. In the book, Agassi reveals his deep insecurities, his complex relationship with fame, and the emotional toll of being in the spotlight from childhood. He’s not just the sunglasses-wearing showman from the 90s—he’s also someone still healing from years of pressure and public scrutiny.

The interview became painful to watch and spiralled downhill rapidly.

The lesson for public speakers? Never assume your audience—or your interviewee—has a thick skin just because they’re famous or successful. Do your research, understand their story, and tailor your tone accordingly. A joke that lands well with one person might hit a nerve with another.

Empathy isn’t just a virtue in life; it’s a superpower on stage.