From The Straits Times    |

This preoccupation with acted-out enthusiasm was provoked by a simple gesture: a compliment. After a friend was complimented on her dressing, she said her “thanks” awkwardly, and then abruptly changed the conversation topic.

The recipient protested when her thank you was seen as being insincere: “What, how else am I supposed to say that?” So, she played up the airhead response to a compliment. Cue the fake megawatt smile, flipping of hair and some exaggerated blinking: “Thaaaankss!!!”

A compliment is probably the least of a hundred and one – and more – situations where you would have needed to fake enthusiasm, else you’ll risk accusations of being too aloof, unfeeling and a mood-dampener. Kind words or a praise could brighten someone’s day; or make the introvert struggle for a suitable reply.

Whether it’s a long week at work, a lack of interest or even an aversion to the said subject matter – or quite simply, you just can’t be bothered – looks of perpetual disinterest hardly do wonders for your social life or professional reputation.

Consider these pleasantries, an unspoken social etiquette or work-related demands if you will. Yet that extra gaiety can make a person more approachable. While it varies for everyone, a beaming grin, that chattiness and a glow that lights up your face are generally good indicators of enthusiasm.

To be honest, I’m lousy at feigning interest in most matters, even during small talk. While it may come naturally to some, believe it or not, some of us do have to act it out.

Compared to face-to-face interactions, it’s easier on cyberspace when you’re shielded from view. Plus, you have a whole arsenal of help online: emoticons, the capslock button, popular abbreviations like OMG and LOLs, and those unnecessary exclamation marks.

So it seemed more helpful for me to pester friends and family on what I would like to call, a list of fake-o-enthusiasm. Of course, it is also perversely amusing to observe the peculiar facial tics and phrases of different individuals; easy giveaways, once you’ve gotten to know someone.

Consider the following five points as a very brief survey on the worst expressions to assume and the phrases to avoid, when faking enthusiasm. . . which gradually sidetracks into complaints about how over-enthusiasm – faked or genuine – becomes annoying to deal with.

We’ll still love to hear from you if you have any more to add to this list. It’s true, we mean it.

1. Raised eyebrows
Stop doing it. It makes things worse if you have an expressive face that makes every twitch noticeable. It doesn’t help if you have the habit of rolling your eyes either. Like what your mum would say: “Keep rolling them and they’ll get stuck to the back of your head.”

2. Saying, “REALLY?!”

I suppose in this case, tone is still key. So a really enthusiastic delivery of this phrase could pass off as a sign of genuine enthusiasm. Still, the general “really?” response can be quite redundant. What is a person to say to that; respond with a “yes, really”, the ultimate conversation killer?

Unless you’re using that “really” to scramble for the time to think of a more genuine response, like a well-phrased query, to encourage the other person to carry on talking.

3. The forced smiles

Wow, this is a tough one to crack. Would it be better not to smile at all? The ice queens and kings among you, take note: An attempt at smiling pleasantly is still lauded. They’re generally appreciated, all the same.

4. Being too perky or hyper
Have you ever seen that all-too-eager salesperson at work? This can actually be quite unnerving to watch. Still, you shouldn’t blame the poor sop for trying.

Of course, some people are just preternaturally enthusiastic. They exude perkiness and euphoria seven days a week. It’s as if they have an almost inexhaustible supply of endorphins and energy. Sometimes you wish you could tap onto that energy source. Most of the time, you’re just hoping for them to shut up and go away.

It could also be a case of caffeine overdose. Give the caffeine addict a pat on the shoulder; that extra twitchy-ness gets some people through an unending week at the office.

5. Over-dramatic gestures

People, this ain’t Broadway and you’re not performing on a stage. It’s like point number four. Save those excessive hand gesturing before you scare off everyone else around you.

Times like these, perhaps the safest option is to stop trying to fake it or even try holding your eagerness in check. Curb your enthusiasm, or else no one will bear to stay within 20 metres from you.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now