Is there a term for this OTHER thought process or behavior? Details below.?

What is the term or explanation 4 when someone acts unsure or possibly poses as being unsure to get the support/ acceptance/whatever from someone else. This may be subconscious or not, I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Here's an example: Johnny is extremely talented, but probably shy. There's a talent show coming up and internally/subconsciously or not/or whatever?/ Johnny REALLY, REALLY, DOES want to go, but around someone (friend/ family- who knows of his extreme talent) he brings up the show, saying, "I was thinking about being in the show, but I don't think I have what it takes." This brooding and "intentional" false uncertainty,perhaps subconscious or not, -uming there's a term for this act or behavior, what is it called? From the false pretense, the friend/other says, "Of course you have what it takes, I've seen you." Johnny says, "you think I could make it." Friend says,"yeah, give it a shot." Johnny then says "Ok, I'll enter the talent show." Any info/ref. Thanx.