Two Truths and a Lie Game (With Variations & Debrief)
Do you want to conduct the two truths and a lie game with your teams?
Two Truths and a Lie is a classic icebreaker game. It helps people get to know each other through a simple, engaging format. The activity is based on principles of self-disclosure and active listening. Participants share personal facts, creating a space for connection. This process encourages vulnerability in a structured, low-risk way.
In this article, let’s see how you can use this activity for your team.
Here is an overview of the sections in this article:
- Objective of the Activity: Learn the key goals behind using this game with your teams.
- 5 Variations of Two Truths and a Lie: Discover different ways to play the game to keep it fresh and engaging.
- Tips for Successful Facilitation: Get practical advice on how to lead the activity effectively.
- FAQ: Answers to common questions about running the game.
Objective of the Activity
The Two Truths and a Lie activity is more than just a simple game. It is a powerful tool designed to achieve specific team building outcomes.
Let’s explore the key objectives of this exercise.
Build Trust and Rapport
This activity creates a platform for team members to share personal stories. When individuals reveal details about their lives, it fosters a sense of closeness. Colleagues learn about each other’s hobbies, past experiences, and unique quirks. This shared knowledge helps break down formal barriers. It builds a foundation of trust that is crucial for effective teamwork.
Enhance Communication Skills
The game requires both clear articulation from the speaker and careful listening from the audience. Participants must present their three statements convincingly. The rest of the team must listen closely to detect subtle cues that might reveal the lie. This process sharpens active listening skills. It also encourages team members to ask thoughtful questions to uncover the truth.
Encourage Vulnerability
Sharing personal information, even in a game format, involves a degree of vulnerability. This activity provides a safe and structured environment for team members to open up. By sharing truths and a lie, individuals practice being authentic with their peers. This can lead to a more open and supportive team culture where people feel comfortable being themselves.
Foster a Positive Team Culture
This is an inherently fun activity. It introduces humor and personal connection into the workplace. Laughter and shared discovery help create positive memories among team members. This positive energy can improve team morale. It contributes to a more enjoyable and collaborative work environment.
Promote Creative Thinking
Crafting a believable lie requires creativity. Participants must think of something plausible yet untrue that fits with their two genuine statements. This challenges them to think outside the box. It encourages a playful form of creative problem-solving. This skill is valuable in all aspects of work, from brainstorming new ideas to tackling complex challenges.
5 Variations of the Two Truths and a Lie Game
Here are 5 variations of the Two Truths and a Lie game to keep the experience fresh for your teams.
#1. Classic Version: The Original Icebreaker
This is the standard version of the game, perfect for any team. Participants share two true personal facts and one believable lie about themselves.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team member to think of two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The truths can be interesting facts, unique experiences, or personal accomplishments.
- Instruct everyone to share their three statements with their team in a random order. For example, a person might say, “I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. I once won a pie-eating contest. I speak four languages fluently.”
- After a person shares their statements, the rest of the team votes on which one they think is the lie.
- Finally, the speaker reveals the lie and can share a short story about one of the true statements.
Debrief
- What did you learn about your colleagues that surprised you?
- How did it feel to share personal facts with the team?
- Which statements were the most difficult to identify as a truth or a lie, and why?
#2. Work-Related Edition
This version focuses on professional experiences and skills. It helps team members understand each other’s work histories and abilities better.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Request each person to prepare two true statements about their professional life and one plausible lie.
- Have each participant present their three statements to their group. For instance, someone might say, “I managed a project with a budget over one million dollars. I helped increase department sales by 50% in one quarter. I have never missed a deadline.”
- Allow the group to discuss and vote on which statement they believe is the lie.
- Ask the speaker to reveal the correct answer and provide context about one of the true professional accomplishments.
Debrief
- Did you discover any hidden talents or experiences within the team? If so, why?
- How does understanding our colleagues’ professional backgrounds help us work together?
- What was challenging about creating a believable lie related to work?
#3. Themed Round
This variation adds a creative twist by focusing on a specific theme. Themes could include travel, food, hobbies, or childhood memories.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Announce a theme for the round, such as “Travel Adventures.” Each person must create two true travel stories and one fake one.
- One by one, have each team member share their three travel-themed statements. For example, “I went backpacking across Southeast Asia for three months. I once got lost in the Tokyo subway system. I have visited all seven continents.”
- Direct the team to guess which travel story is the fabrication.
- After the vote, the speaker reveals the lie and can elaborate on one of their real adventures.
Debrief
- How did the theme influence the stories you chose to share?
- What common interests or experiences did you discover through the theme?
- Did this version make it easier or harder to guess the lie? If so, why?
#4. Two Truths and a Dream
In this forward-looking version, the lie is replaced with a personal aspiration. This helps team members learn about each other’s goals and ambitions.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Tell each person to think of two true statements about their life and one personal dream or goal for the future.
- Have each participant share their three statements. For instance, “I have a twin brother. I ran a marathon last year. I hope to write a novel one day.”
- Ask the group to identify which statement is the future aspiration.
- After the guess, the speaker confirms their dream, which can spark supportive conversations.
Debrief
- How did it feel to share a personal dream with your colleagues?
- Did learning about your teammates’ aspirations change your perspective on them? If so, why?
- How can the team support each other in achieving these dreams?
#5. Written Version
This anonymous variation is great for larger groups or quieter teams. Statements are written down, read aloud, and guessed by the entire group.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Pen and paper for each person
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide everyone with a slip of paper and a pen. Ask each person to write their name and three statements (two truths, one lie) on the paper.
- Collect all the papers, shuffle them, and read one person’s statements aloud to the group without revealing their name.
- The group first guesses whose statements are being read. Once the person is identified, the group then votes on which statement is the lie.
- The identified person reveals the lie and confirms the truths. Repeat the process for each person.
Debrief
- How did the anonymity at the start of each round change the dynamic?
- Was it easier or harder to guess the lie without knowing who wrote the statements, and why?
- What was the most memorable statement you heard today?
Tips for Successful Facilitation
Running a smooth and effective team building activity requires thoughtful preparation. A great facilitator ensures everyone feels comfortable, engaged, and included.
Here are some key tips to help you lead a successful Two Truths and a Lie session.
Set a Positive and Inclusive Tone
Your energy as a facilitator sets the stage for the entire activity. Start with a warm welcome and a genuine smile. Explain that the goal is to have fun and get to know each other better in a relaxed setting. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers, just an opportunity to share. If you are leading the activity, consider going first to model vulnerability and set a comfortable pace. This shows others what is expected and can help ease any initial nervousness.
Provide Clear and Simple Instructions
Avoid confusion by giving instructions that are easy to follow. Break down the process into simple steps: think of your statements, share them with the group, and then let the group guess. Offer a clear example to illustrate what a good set of statements looks like. For instance, you could share your own truths and a lie. This helps participants understand the right balance between believable truths and a plausible lie. Clear guidance ensures the game runs smoothly without interruptions.
Encourage Participation from Everyone
In any group, some people are naturally more talkative than others. Your role is to create an environment where everyone has a chance to speak. Gently encourage quieter team members to share when they are ready. You can use phrases like, “Sarah, we’d love to hear from you when you’re prepared.” Avoid putting anyone on the spot. Celebrate every contribution, whether it is a clever lie or a surprising truth. This positive reinforcement makes people feel valued and more willing to participate.
Manage Time Effectively
While the activity should feel relaxed, it is important to keep it moving to maintain energy and respect everyone’s time. Announce the approximate time for the activity at the beginning. If you have a large group, consider breaking them into smaller teams to ensure everyone gets a turn within the allotted time. Keep an eye on the clock and gently nudge the conversation along if one person’s turn is taking too long. A well-paced game feels dynamic and engaging.
Lead a Meaningful Debrief
The debrief is where the real team building magic happens. This is the moment to connect the fun of the game to its purpose. Ask open-ended questions that prompt reflection. For example, you could ask, “What did you learn about the team today?” or “How can we use what we learned about each other to work better together?” Listen actively to the responses and summarize the key takeaways at the end. A strong debrief turns a simple icebreaker into a valuable learning experience.
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Final Words
Two Truths and a Lie is an effective tool for any team. It breaks down barriers and builds authentic connections among colleagues. The game fosters better communication skills and creates a more positive work environment. By encouraging safe vulnerability, it helps build the psychological safety needed for high-performing teams. Ultimately, this simple activity can lead to stronger rapport and improved collaboration.
FAQ: Two Truths and a Lie Game
You might have these questions in mind.
Is this activity suitable for new teams?
Yes, it is an excellent icebreaker for new teams. The game provides a structured way for members to learn interesting facts about each other quickly. It helps accelerate the getting-to-know-you process. This establishes an initial foundation of trust and rapport.
How can this be adapted for remote teams?
This activity works very well for virtual teams. You can conduct it over a video conference call. Each person can share their statements when it is their turn. The team can use the chat feature or a polling tool to vote for the lie.
What if someone shares something too personal?
As a facilitator, set clear boundaries at the beginning. Remind everyone to keep their statements work-appropriate and comfortable to share. If something inappropriate is shared, gently steer the conversation back to a professional context. You can do this by moving on to the next person.
How long should the activity take?
The duration depends on your group size. For a small group of 3-8 people, plan for 10-20 minutes. This gives everyone enough time to share and for the group to guess. If you have a larger team, consider breaking them into smaller groups to keep the activity timely.
What makes a good lie?
A good lie is plausible and sounds like it could be true. It should fit the person’s character and be similar in nature to their two true statements. The best lies are not outrageous but are subtle enough to make the group think twice.
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