How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Set a theme (e.g., life, work, weekend).
- 2Give everyone 1-2 minutes to write a six-word memoir.
- 3Go around and have each person share, then briefly explain their choice of words.
Variations
Guess Who: Players submit memoirs anonymously, and the team guesses who wrote which one.
Visual Memoirs: Combine the six words with a single photo or slide for a richer story.
Future Self: Write a memoir for yourself 5 years from now.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Pick a theme—life, work, or weekend—and write a six‑word memoir. You’ll share your line and one sentence of backstory.
Closing Script:
Powerful brevity! Save your lines in chat or a doc—we can revisit them at the next team milestone.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Tight word limits lower pressure and invite creative self‑disclosure. The micro‑story + short rationale reveal values without oversharing.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Check‑ins and retros
- Onboarding circles
- Large groups via chat
Important Notes
- Model a work‑safe example to set tone
- Gently timebox explanations to avoid long monologues
- Offer a pass/opt‑out for comfort
Ideas & Prompts
Life So Far
Started slow, now running quite fast.
Born small town, living big dreams.
Mistakes were made, lessons were learned.
My Work Style
Inbox zero is my only calm.
Meetings could have been an email.
Slow to start, strong to finish.
The Week Ahead
Coffee first, questions later, survival likely.
Too many tabs, not enough brain.
Ready to conquer the big project.
Game FAQ
Do we have to be exact with 6 words?
Yes! The strict limit is what makes it creative and forces you to distill your thoughts.
Do we have to be exact with 6 words?
Yes! The strict limit is what makes it creative and forces you to distill your thoughts.
Can it be funny?
Absolutely. Humor is a great way to break the ice.
Can it be funny?
Absolutely. Humor is a great way to break the ice.
