ID Guessing

The ID Guessing icebreaker is a simple and engaging activity that helps individuals get to know each other better, making it an excellent choice for groups with new members or when you want to foster a stronger bond among participants. The game involves distributing index cards and pens to the players, who then write down two things they have done and one thing they haven’t. The challenge lies in making these statements unique, interesting, and difficult for others to guess are theirs. Once all the cards are collected, the group votes on whom they believe each card represents and which activity the person hasn’t yet accomplished.

This icebreaker encourages participants to share personal experiences and aspirations while also promoting active listening and critical thinking as players try to guess who wrote each card. By contributing to a friendly and engaging atmosphere, ID Guessing can effectively break the ice among group members, setting the stage for open communication and collaboration in future activities.

1. Distribute index cards and pens to all players.
2. Each player writes down two things they have done and one thing they haven’t.
3. Make the items unique, interesting, and challenging for others to guess.
4. Collect all the index cards.
5. The group votes on who they think each card represents and which item they haven’t done.

• Index cards: Small pieces of thick paper that can be written on and easily shuffled.
• Pens: Writing instruments that allow players to write on the index cards.

To set up for the ID Guessing icebreaker activity, you will need to find a suitable indoor location with enough space for all the participants. Arrange the seating in a circle or a U-shape if possible, to encourage eye contact and interaction among the players.

Before the guests arrive, prepare several pens and index cards, which are the only materials required for this activity. Place them on a table near the seating area so that everyone can easily access them when they join the game.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the instructions, it is recommended to set some ground rules or expectations before starting the game, such as reminding participants to respect each other’s privacy and avoid any judgmental comments. This will help create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone to participate.

1. Pass out index cards and pens: I distribute an index card and a pen to each person participating in the game.
2. Write two things you’ve done and one you haven’t: Each participant writes down two things they have accomplished and one thing they have not, making sure to make it challenging for others to guess that it is their card.
3. Collect the index cards: Once everyone has finished writing, I gather all the index cards.
4. Vote on who each card represents: The group then discusses and votes on which person they think each card represents and which activity they haven’t done yet.

Note: This icebreaker game was contributed by Larry Bray, and it is an effective way to help people get to know each other better, especially in groups with new members or during social gatherings where the aim is to break the ice.

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• Encourages active listening and observation skills: By paying close attention to what others have shared about themselves, players can make more informed guesses about the author of each card, which helps build these important skills.
• Fosters a sense of community: As players learn new things about their peers, they may discover shared interests or experiences that bring them closer together and strengthen group cohesion.
• Promotes self-reflection and personal storytelling: Writing down two accomplishments and one unfulfilled goal encourages individuals to think about their own lives in a meaningful way and practice sharing those stories with others.
• Helps break the ice in social situations: This game is specifically designed to help people get to know each other better, making it an ideal activity for groups with new members or when trying to facilitate interaction among strangers.
• Provides an opportunity for creative expression: Players can be as imaginative and humorous as they want when writing their experiences, allowing them to showcase their unique personalities in a fun and engaging way.

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• Communication skills: Players need to effectively convey their experiences and achievements through written words, making it easier for others to guess their identity.
• Observation skills: Paying attention to the details and nuances in others’ stories can help players make more accurate guesses about the author of each card.
• Empathy and understanding: By reading about their peers’ experiences, players can develop a better understanding of their group members’ backgrounds and perspectives.
• Creativity: Crafting unique and intriguing statements that are difficult to guess can help players stand out in the game, showcasing their inventive thinking.
• Self-awareness: Reflecting on one’s own life experiences and sharing them with others promotes introspection and self-understanding.
• Social connection: The game encourages interaction among participants, helping to build relationships and strengthen the group’s cohesion.

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I enjoy the ID Guessing icebreaker because it is a simple and effective way to help people get to know each other better. The game encourages players to share unique and interesting facts about themselves, which can be a great conversation starter and help build connections within the group.

One aspect of the game that I find particularly appealing is the element of mystery and intrigue it creates. As players read through the index cards and try to guess who wrote each one, they are forced to think critically about their fellow participants and consider their unique experiences and perspectives. This can be a fun and engaging way to learn more about the people around you.

Additionally, the ID Guessing game is highly versatile and can be adapted to fit a variety of settings and group sizes. It is suitable for all ages, making it a great option for intergenerational events or gatherings with children and adults. And because it only requires a few simple materials (index cards and pens), it is easy to organize and can be played almost anywhere.

Overall, I find the ID Guessing icebreaker to be a valuable tool for building connections and fostering a sense of community within any group. Its simplicity, versatility, and engaging gameplay make it a go-to option for breaking the ice and helping people get to know each other better.

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• Tip: Provide anonymous submission option. To ensure that everyone feels comfortable participating, consider providing a way for people to submit their index cards anonymously. This can help reduce any pressure or anxiety about sharing personal information in a group setting.
• Tip: Use gender-neutral language. When explaining the instructions and facilitating the game, make sure to use gender-neutral language to create an inclusive environment for all participants.
• Tip: Encourage diverse experiences. Remind participants that their experiences are unique and valuable, regardless of how “exciting” or “ordinary” they may seem. Encourage them to share activities that reflect their personal interests, backgrounds, and cultural identities.
• Tip: Offer alternative communication methods. If some participants have difficulty writing or prefer not to write, offer alternative ways for them to share their experiences, such as drawing a picture, using voice recordings, or dictating to another person.
• Tip: Consider accessibility needs. Make sure the game is accessible to all participants by offering large print instructions, providing pens with thick grips, and ensuring there is adequate lighting and seating arrangements for those who need it.
• Tip: Facilitate respectful discussions. Encourage active listening and empathy among participants during the discussion phase of the game. Remind them to be mindful of their tone and language when sharing guesses or comments, and to avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes or biases.

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1. What did you learn about your fellow participants through this activity? This question can help participants reflect on the experiences and interests of their peers that they may not have known before.
2. How did it feel to share personal information with the group? This question can help facilitators gauge the comfort level of participants in sharing about themselves, which can be useful for future icebreaker activities.
3. Which of your own experiences or goals do you think was the most surprising or intriguing to the group? Why? This question can help participants consider how their own backgrounds and aspirations may differ from those of their peers.
4. How did the group do in guessing who wrote each card? What strategies seemed to work well for making it difficult to guess the author? This question can help facilitate discussion about the effectiveness of different approaches to anonymously sharing information, which can be useful for future icebreaker activities.
5. Did you find out anything new or unexpected about any of your fellow participants through this activity? If so, what? This question can help participants reflect on how their understanding of their peers may have shifted as a result of the icebreaker activity.

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