Who Am I

The “Who Am I?” icebreaker is a engaging game that involves guessing the identity of famous or well-known figures. The purpose of this activity is to encourage interaction and conversation among group members, making it an excellent way to break the ice in any size gathering. To prepare for the game, create sticky nametags with the names of notable personalities, such as Superman, Britney Spears, or the President of the United States. Attach these labels to each participant’s back, ensuring they cannot see their assigned character. The objective is for each person to determine their identity by asking “Yes” or “No” questions about their famous counterpart. This game fosters curiosity and social engagement while providing a fun and interactive experience for all involved.

1. Prepare sticky nametags with the names of famous, historical, or company figures before the group arrives.
2. Place one of the nametags on the upper back of each player.
3. Each person must try to figure out which famous person that they are by asking “Yes” or “No” questions to gain clues about the name that is on their back.
4. Examples of questions include: “Am I an athlete?”, “Am I a female?”, “Am I a young person?”
5. The game takes about ten minutes in a group of 50, less for smaller groups, but about the same for bigger groups.

• Sticky nametags or self-adhesive white Avery labels: You will need these to write the names of famous people on.
• A marker: This will be used to write the names on the sticky nametags or labels.
• A list of famous, historical, or company figures: These are the names that you will write on the sticky nametags. It is important to choose figures that everyone in the group will be familiar with. Examples include Superman, Indiana Jones, and Britney Spears.

To set up for the Who Am I icebreaker game, follow these steps:

1. Prepare sticky nametags or labels before your group arrives. Avery labels work great for this purpose. Make sure you have enough labels for each participant.
2. Write the names of famous, historical, or company figures on the labels. Choose characters that everyone in the group will recognize to ensure inclusivity. Some examples could be Superman, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Batman, President of the United States, Britney Spears, and Mickey Mouse.
3. Instead of placing the labels on the back, you can stick them on each person’s forehead if desired. This will allow participants to see their characters more easily during the game.
4. Ensure that you create enough name labels for all participants and mix them up before attaching them to players. This will ensure a fair and engaging experience for everyone involved in the icebreaker activity.

1. Prepare the nametags: Before your group arrives, write the names of famous people or characters on sticky nametags. Make sure that the names are recognizable by everyone in the group. You can also choose to place the labels on each person’s forehead instead of their back.
2. Place the nametags on participants: Once everyone has arrived, place one of the nametags on the upper back of each participant.
3. Explain the rules: Explain to the group that each person must try to figure out which famous person or character they are by asking only “Yes” or “No” questions. Encourage them to ask questions like “Am I an athlete?” “Am I a female?” “Am I a young person?”
4. Set a timer: Depending on the size of your group, set a timer for about 10 minutes for this activity. Smaller groups can have less time while larger groups may need more time.
5. Encourage participation: This is a great opportunity for people to get to know each other and start conversations. Encourage everyone to participate and have fun with the game!

Back to top

• Encourages Communication: The Who Am I icebreaker game encourages communication between players as they ask each other questions to figure out their identities. This can help people feel more comfortable speaking up in front of others and get to know one another better.
• Boosts Creativity: By limiting players to asking only yes or no questions, the game challenges them to think creatively and come up with unique ways to gather information about their identity.
• Enhances Group Dynamics: As players interact and learn more about each other through this game, it can help improve group dynamics and create a stronger sense of community. This is especially beneficial for new teams or groups where members may not know each other well.
• Promotes Active Listening: Since the rules require players to listen carefully to the answers given by others, the Who Am I icebreaker game promotes active listening skills, which are crucial in both personal and professional settings.
• Provides a Fun Experience: Above all, the Who Am I icebreaker game is designed to be fun and engaging for participants. It’s an excellent way to break the ice at events, gatherings, or meetings while providing everyone with an enjoyable shared experience.

Back to top

• Communication skills: Playing the Who Am I icebreaker helps build communication skills as players must ask “Yes” or “No” questions to gain clues about the name on their back. This requires clear and concise communication, as well as active listening to understand the responses.
• Critical thinking skills: The game also encourages critical thinking skills, as players must come up with strategic questions that will help them narrow down the possibilities and figure out their identity.
• Social interaction skills: As a group activity, the Who Am I icebreaker helps build social interaction skills by encouraging people to talk to each other and work together to solve a common challenge. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are shy or introverted, as it provides a low-pressure way to start conversations and make connections with others.
• Self-confidence: Successfully figuring out one’s identity in the game can boost self-confidence and encourage players to feel more comfortable participating in group activities. Additionally, answering questions about oneself and sharing information with the group can help build a sense of self-worth and belonging.
• Creativity: The Who Am I icebreaker also encourages creativity, as players must think outside the box to come up with unique and interesting questions that will help them uncover their identity. This can be a fun and engaging way to tap into one’s creative potential and build problem-solving skills.
• Cultural awareness: By choosing famous figures from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and time periods, the game can also help build cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity. Players may learn about new people and ideas that they might not have encountered otherwise, helping to broaden their perspectives and foster a more inclusive community.

Back to top

I appreciate the simplicity and inclusivity of the Who Am I icebreaker game. With minimal materials required, it’s easy to organize and accessible for groups of various sizes. The game encourages participants to engage with one another by asking thoughtful questions and seeking common ground through shared knowledge of public figures.

One aspect I particularly enjoy is the creative freedom in selecting famous personalities or characters for the name tags. This customization allows the game to be tailored to specific groups, ensuring that all players can relate to and engage with the chosen figures. The use of well-known individuals also adds an element of fun and intrigue, as participants try to guess their identities.

Additionally, I find the “Yes” or “No” question format engaging and versatile. It promotes active listening and critical thinking, as players must formulate precise questions based on clues they have gathered. This structure also allows for a balanced playing field, where participants of different backgrounds and communication styles can equally participate and enjoy the game.

In summary, I value the Who Am I icebreaker for its accessibility, adaptability, and encouragement of meaningful interaction among players. The game fosters an enjoyable atmosphere that helps break the ice and set the stage for successful group activities.

Back to top

• Tip: Choose diverse figures for the name tags Make sure to include a variety of people from different backgrounds, occupations, and time periods. This will ensure that everyone has an equal chance of knowing the person on their tag, making the game more inclusive.
• Tip: Use gender-neutral language when describing traits Instead of asking “Am I a woman?”, rephrase the question to be gender-neutral, such as “Does my name refer to a female?” This helps to create an inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable and respected.
• Tip: Encourage open-ended questions While yes or no questions are the norm in this game, encouraging players to ask open-ended questions can lead to more engaging conversations and help participants learn more about each other.
• Tip: Consider cultural relevance Be aware of the cultural backgrounds of your group members, and try to choose figures that will be familiar to everyone. If you’re unsure, consider asking for suggestions or doing some research to ensure that your choices are inclusive and respectful.
• Tip: Adapt the game to different abilities For players with hearing impairments, use a communication system that works best for them, such as written questions on paper or through text messages. Be open to accommodating different needs to make sure everyone can participate and enjoy the game.
• Tip: Promote positive interactions Encourage participants to be kind and respectful during the game, especially when giving clues or answering questions. This helps create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included.

Back to top

1. What did you enjoy most about playing “Who Am I”? Understanding what participants enjoyed most can help facilitators plan future activities that are engaging and fun.
2. Did you find it challenging to only ask yes or no questions? Why or why not? This question can help facilitators gauge the level of difficulty participants experienced, and whether they need to provide more guidance or structure in similar activities in the future.
3. How did you feel when other players correctly guessed who you were? This question can give insight into participants’ emotions and social dynamics during the game.
4. Did you learn anything new about your fellow participants through this activity? If so, what? Encouraging reflection on what participants learned from each other can promote a stronger group dynamic.
5. How can we apply the skills used in “Who Am I” (such as asking thoughtful questions and making observations) to our everyday interactions? This question can help participants see the value of the game beyond just a fun icebreaker, and inspire them to use these skills in their daily lives.

Back to top