Have you ever wondered why you laugh professionally in a meeting while inside you’re falling apart? Why you say, "The idea is great," even though you know it’s pointless? Why you participate in a discussion even when you don’t want to be there?
You might think you’re just being polite, good at communication, or maintaining professionalism, but in reality, you’re practicing a soft form of acting. It’s not acting to deceive, but rather to protect yourself from misunderstandings, from the system, or from the emotional cost of telling the truth. So, is what we do every day at work professional communication or a defensive skill?
Public relations expert Dr. Issa Mohammed reveals four daily situations where you might be acting—even when you believe you’re not.
1. Showing enthusiasm while feeling drained
The camera turns on or the office door opens, and you immediately smile, praise the idea, and show excitement about the new project. But inside, you’re exhausted, barely able to tolerate one more sentence. Why do we do this? Because fatigue isn’t welcomed in achievement culture, enthusiasm is rewarded, and silence is often misunderstood. We perform enthusiasm—not because we lie, but because saying “I’m not okay today” might cost us a lot in reputation and position.
Why do we sometimes have to fake enthusiasm?
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Because fatigue at work is seen as weakness, not humanity.
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Because visible enthusiasm is the quickest way to gain appreciation.
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Because silence is misinterpreted in environments that don’t listen well.
2. Showing interest in topics that don’t actually matter to us
You sit through a long meeting discussing a project unrelated to your ambitions or a plan you know will never be implemented. Yet, you show engagement—nodding, commenting, participating—while your mind is somewhere else. We do this not out of hypocrisy, but because lack of engagement can be interpreted as avoidance or lack of belonging. We hide indifference because emotional detachment from work details is not allowed to show, even if it’s completely genuine.
Why do we show fake interest?
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Because interaction is used as a sign of commitment.
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Because admitting lack of interest can cost us trust or influence.
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Because our role requires presence even in spaces that don’t represent us.
3. Hiding irritation and responding with a polished smile
You receive an unfair comment, get interrupted repeatedly, or get criticized in front of others unnecessarily. Anger rises inside, but you don’t show it. You smile politely, respond tactfully, and keep your expression controlled. This is not weakness, but a learned professional response. We choose to act here to protect ourselves from the consequences of a moment of honesty that might be seen as aggression or unprofessionalism. Sometimes an exaggerated smile is a form of silent defense.
Why do we hide our annoyance instead of showing it?
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Because expressing anger at work is seen as losing control.
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Because a natural reaction can be used against us later.
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Because we learn that maintaining an image is more important than venting emotions.
4. Showing neutrality while feeling suffocated
A decision you disagree with is made, silent injustice happens, or a hurtful comment is said about a colleague, and you stay silent. You show neutrality and stand in the middle as if nothing happened. But inside, anger, tension, or frustration builds up. We fear objecting or showing a stance because it might count against us later. We choose to act neutral not because we don’t feel, but because we know that opinions in some places are counted against you more than heard.
Why do we resort to fake neutrality in moments of anger?
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Because expressing an opinion may expose us to confrontation or isolation.
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Because standing for what’s right can be more costly than silence.
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Because we are raised to believe the professional swallows the situation quietly.
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