Let’s be real. You know that the best training icebreakers can seriously elevate any course or meeting. I’ve seen it happen time and time again! But, you’re probably thinking: with so many icebreakers out there, how do I find the right one for my specific training?
Well, let me tell you about a simple, fun, tried-and-true game that always works: Two Truths and a Lie. And to make your life even easier, I’m going to share my insights and even give you some ready-to-use examples. You can use this game to also benefit these editable training courses.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Is this really that great?” Trust me, after years in learning and development, I’ve seen how this game can foster a positive and collaborative environment.
Keep in mind: This activity works best with groups of 12-15 people and usually takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You want to keep it snappy!
How You Play Two Truths and a Lie: A Quick Guide
Here’s the deal: Playing this game is super simple. One person makes three statements about themselves: two true and one false. The rest of you have to guess which statements are facts and which is the fib!
Why You Should Use This Icebreaker: My Top Reasons
Not all icebreakers are created equal. You need one that fits your needs. Here’s why I think Two Truths and a Lie is a winner:
1. Promotes Open Communication: Forget plain old icebreakers. This one encourages you to share personal info in a fun, non-threatening way. You get to know each other!
2. Enhances Team Bonding: I’ve seen this game lead to stronger relationships and a more cohesive work environment. You’ll understand each other’s backgrounds and build empathy.
3. Encourages Creative Thinking: You have to create believable lies! That stimulates creativity and unconventional thinking, which is valuable in problem-solving.
4. Breaks The Monotony: Inject some energy into the workday with this fun and engaging activity. It’s a welcome break from the usual grind.
5. Easy To Implement: No special equipment or prep needed. You can play in person or virtually.
6. Inclusive And Accessible: The game is simple, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their role.
In conclusion, the “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker is a powerful tool for promoting communication, enhancing team bonding, and encouraging creative thinking.
Step-by-Step: How You Play Two Truths And A Lie Like A Pro!
This game is fashionable for a reason. It makes you seem like you’ve leaped into your audience’s hearts and brought a bundle of fun.
Here’s how to play: :
1️⃣ Gather the Players:
Get your friends, family, or colleagues together.
2️⃣ Set the Rules:
Each person shares three statements (two truths, one lie).
3️⃣ Prepare Your Statements:
Think of two true and one convincing false statement.
4️⃣ Take Turns:
Share your statements, one at a time, without revealing the lie. Keep a poker face!
5️⃣ Question and Discuss:
The other players ask questions to gather more information. Answer truthfully, but be clever.
6️⃣ Guess the Lie:
Privately write down your guess.
7️⃣ Reveal and Score:
The player reveals the lie. If you guessed right, you get a point!
8️⃣ Rotate Turns:
Keep the game engaging by rotating turns.
9️⃣ Enjoy and Connect:
Have fun, build connections, and learn more about each other.
🔟 Optional Variations:
Set a time limit for questioning, allow collaboration, or introduce themes.
Strategies: How You Can Win (or at Least Be Really Good)
The most crucial aspect is that it is fun. And you’re probably picking rather obvious statements. Make the lie credible by keeping it boring or credible. That makes it harder to detect!
Here are some example statements I might use:
“Hi, I’m Catherine. I can speak a second language, I am a trained pianist, and I am a vegetarian.”
“Hello, my name is Catherine. I fear clowns, tadpoles, and dust.
“Hey Everyone, I’m Catherine. I can whistle, I can’t ride a bike, and I hate Mexican food.”
Pay attention to body language and tone of voice when others are speaking. People often look away when lying!
More Tips: You’re Not Allowed to Fail!
Here are some additional tips for you:
1️⃣ Be Creative with Your Lies:
The more unexpected and intriguing, the better.
2️⃣ Make Your Truths Interesting:
Unique or slightly bizarre truths make it harder to distinguish between the truths and the lie.
3️⃣ Maintain Consistency:
Make sure your body language, tone, and demeanor align with your statements.
4️⃣ Observe Others Closely:
Look for signs of nervousness or inconsistencies.
5️⃣ Ask Clever Questions:
Dig deeper to expose lies.
6️⃣ Have Fun and Be Respectful:
Enjoy the game and respect others.
What Makes A Good Truth/Lie
You want a good lie to be believable, consistent, and tailored to the context. A good truth should be accurate, supported by evidence, and relevant. I consider Two Truths and a Lying one of the best examples of a training icebreaker game. Not only is the game fun, but it’s also suitable for your training workshop or meeting.
To make a good lie, it should be believable, consistent, and tailored to the context. Here are two truths and a lie:
The Earth orbits around the Sun.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
Humans only use 10% of their brain capacity.
A good truth should be accurate, supported by evidence or facts, and relevant. Remember, a good truth is objective and can be verified.
We’re Grateful To Have Incredible Clients
80 Sample Truths And Lies!!!
My experience as a learning and development specialist has taught me that most people can benefit from having some examples of truths and lies before the session starts.
Rather than seeing sample truths and lies as clever examples, see them as opportunities to maximize the impact of your training courses and meetings.
When you focus on selecting the credible truths/lies we compiled below, think about how you will use them to meet your goals and objectives.
- I can speak a second language.
- I am a trained pianist.
- I am a vegetarian.
- I am afraid of clowns.
- I am afraid of tadpoles.
- I am allergic to dust.
- I am allergic to nuts.
- I am allergic to seafood.
- I am color blind.
- I am left-handed.
- I am not religious.
- I am related to a famous musician.
- I am scared of public speaking.
- I am the youngest in my family.
- I believe in ghosts.
- I believe in God.
- I brush only once a day.
- I can curl my tongue.
- I can do a handstand.
- I can eat five hamburgers in one go!
- I can hold my breath underwater.
- I can juggle five tennis balls.
- I can name all the members of the band Queen.
- I can play guitar.
- I can play the drums.
- I can whistle.
- I can’t ride a bike.
- I can’t swim
- I can’t eat dairy products.
- I can’t eat gluten.
- I can’t eat spicy food.
- I can’t tie my shoelaces.
- I cut my brother’s hair once.
- I don’t own a mobile phone.
- I don’t have Amazon Prime.
- I don’t know how to play chess.
- I don’t want to get married ever.
- I drink 2 cups of coffee every morning.
- I dropped out of college.
- I get all my pets from an animal rescue shelter.
- I go to the gym twice a week.
- I go to yoga class every week.
- I grew up on a farm.
- I had my appendix removed.
- I had my tonsils removed.
- I hate Mexican food.
- I have 5 piercings.
- I have a fear of heights.
- I have a fear of tight spaces.
- I have a tattoo.
- I have a website.
- I have bad nightmares.
- I have been bungy-jumping.
- I have been on the TV.
- I have been stung by a bee.
- I have never been a bridesmaid.
- I have never broken a bone.
- I have never had surgery.
- I have to take a bubble bath every night.
- I have traveled to another country.
- I have two brothers.
- I know how to knit.
- I know how to shoot a gun.
- I like to sleep on my back.
- I love camping.
- I love chocolate.
- I love horror movies.
- I love solving jigsaws.
- I never drink Coke.
- I once got stuck in an elevator for 2 hours.
- I own my own house.
- I took a selfie with Madonna.
- I was born in America.
- I wrote a book.
- I’ve never watched a Harry Potter film.
- I’m a twin.
- I’m a vegan.
- I’m adopted,
- I’m allergic to cats.
- I’ve never had McDonald’s food.
I’ve worked with learning professionals with different training needs for years and delivered countless training courses. Yet, I’m often amazed at how many still get this icebreaker game wrong. To keep things fresh, I continually ask myself how to apply two truths and a lie to different situations.
Concept ideas include a high school ice breaker game, being stung by a jellyfish, lie ideas, fun games, ice breakers, guessing the lie, lies about ice cream, good lies, how you won an eating contest, your favorite food, true statements guessed correctly.
You can also search for two-truths-and-lies ideas, funny two-truths-and-lies games, two-truths-and-lies ideas for work, and funny two-truths-and-lies ideas to keep it fresh. Now go out there and make your training sessions amazing!
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