How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Players must sit in a circle or stand in a straight line, close enough to whisper but not so close they can hear the person before them.
- 2The first person whispers a word or phrase into the ear of the person to their right.
- 3Players continue whispering the phrase to their neighbors until it reaches the last player.
- 4The last player says the word or phrase out loud so everyone can hear how much it has changed from the original.
Materials Needed
- No special materials required
- Optional: Paper and pen for the facilitator to write down the original phrase
Variations
Team Telephone: Split large groups into two teams. Give both the same sentence. The team closest to the original wins.
Rumors: Players can intentionally change 1-2 words to see how crazy it gets.
Paper Telephone (Telestrations / Gartic Phone style): A mix of writing and drawing. Player A writes a word, Player B draws it, Player C guesses (writes), and so on. The final reveal of the 'Word-Drawing-Word' chain is usually hilarious.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
We’re going to play the Telephone Game to test our listening skills. I'll whisper a phrase to the first person, and we'll see what it becomes by the end!
Closing Script:
Let’s hear the final result! [Compare with original] It’s amazing how small misunderstandings can completely change a message.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: It amusingly demonstrates how easily information gets distorted as it passes through people, serving as a lighthearted lesson on gossip, active listening, and communication.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Classroom Activity
- Party Game
- Family Game Night
- Communication Workshop
Important Notes
- The word or phrase can only be whispered once.
- Choose a phrase that isn't too familiar or simple.
- Ensure players whisper quietly so others don't overhear.
Ideas & Prompts
Easy (One Word)
Banana
Sunshine
Butterfly
Adventure
Chocolate
Fireworks
Vacation
Elephant
Rainbow
Spaghetti
Medium (Short Phrases)
Two heads are better than one
The early bird catches the worm
Actions speak louder than words
It’s raining cats and dogs
Pizza for dinner tonight
A sunny afternoon in the park
The dog ate my homework
Hard (Tongue Twisters)
She sells seashells by the seashore
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream
Betty Botter bought some butter
Funny / Absurd
The aliens stole my homework
A toaster is afraid of bread
My grandma is a ninja in disguise
Harry Potter delivering pizza on a broom
Godzilla wearing a pink tutu
A bald eagle waiting in line for a haircut
SpongeBob lighting a match underwater
An octopus juggling eight ice cream cones
Santa Claus stuck in a chimney eating cookies
A zombie trying to learn ballet
Game FAQ
What if I didn't hear it correctly?
Strict rules say no repeats! Just guess. But for kids, one repeat is usually allowed.
What if I didn't hear it correctly?
Strict rules say no repeats! Just guess. But for kids, one repeat is usually allowed.
How many players are needed?
At least 5 players are recommended to see the message evolve. The more, the merrier!
How many players are needed?
At least 5 players are recommended to see the message evolve. The more, the merrier!
Any tips for accuracy?
As a listener, watch the speaker's lips (if possible); as a speaker, enunciate clearly and emphasize consonants. But remember, the fun is in the errors!
Any tips for accuracy?
As a listener, watch the speaker's lips (if possible); as a speaker, enunciate clearly and emphasize consonants. But remember, the fun is in the errors!
