Build the team
Two truths and a lie
Each person shares three things about themselves, one of them false, and the group votes on which is the lie.
- Time15 to 25 minutes
- People3 to 12 people
- Steps3
What it's for
A light icebreaker that works because people choose what to share. The guessing gives everyone a reason to listen, and the true stories that sound false are usually what people remember about each other afterwards.
Use it with a new team or a group meeting for the first time. Keep it to people's own choices: nobody should feel pushed into sharing something personal.
How to run it
Write three statements4 min
Each person claims a frame and writes two true things and one lie, one per note.
Guess the lies5 min6 votes each
Vote on the note you think is the lie in each frame.
Reveal10 min
Each person reveals their lie and tells the story behind one truth.
Tips
- Go first, and pick a fun truth that sounds made up. It sets the tone.
- In a big group, split into frames of four and reveal within each.
Where it comes from
A traditional parlour game with no known inventor, now one of the most common icebreakers in workshops and team events.
Pairs well with
Check-in round
Everyone says how they are arriving before the work starts, so the room knows who is tired, distracted or keen.
Personal maps
Each person draws a mind map of themselves (home, work, hobbies, values) so a team learns who it is working with.
Hopes and fears
People write what they hope the session or project achieves and what they fear could go wrong, so both are said out loud early.