What is it?

An informal icebreaker that gets a group working together very quickly. It’s non-threatening and undemanding – ideal for both reticent and assertive participants.

Why is it useful?

• Gets the group interacting and laughing within minutes.
• Works well for people who already know each other but want a fresh way to connect.
• Encourages creativity and lets people share fun or surprising facts about themselves.

Objectives

• To have fun at the beginning of a workshop.
• To raise the energy and noise levels.
• To help people get to know each other better.
• To create fun talking points that can be referenced during the event.

When would you use it?

• When you want to quickly promote an informal, relaxed, and open atmosphere.
• When mobilising a team and you want to spark collaboration.
• When working with a group that already knows each other but could benefit from a fun reconnection.
• Best for groups of 5–8 people (can be scaled up, but will take more time).

Resources Required

• A willing group of participants
• Post-it notes and marker pens (3 per person plus spares)
• Tables and chairs

Rules

• Optional competitive element: you can keep score if everyone agrees.
• If scoring doesn’t fit the group dynamic, simply play without it.

Process

Step 1: Write statements

Each participant takes 3 post-it notes and writes 3 statements about themselves, of which only one is true. Examples:

• When I was 14, I once beat Roger Federer at tennis.
• Most years I go on holiday to the Caribbean.
• In my spare time I’m a magician.

Step 2: Share statements

Each participant presents their 3 statements to their group, without revealing which is true.

Step 3: Guess the truth

The rest of the group votes on which statement they think is true.

Step 4: Scoring

• If the group guesses correctly → they get a point.
• If they guess wrong → the person who wrote the statements gets a point.
• Keep track of scores. Highest total wins.

Secret Sauce

• Ask participants to place their post-its on the table so the group can see all three options.
• Make sure everyone casts their vote before the truth is revealed.
• Encourage people to write statements that are equally plausible to keep it challenging.