Two Truths and a Lie
A classic ice breaker where each participant shares three statements about themselves — two true, one false. The group votes on which statement is the lie. It's low-pressure, generates laughter, and reveals surprising personal facts that spark real conversation.
How to run it
- 1
Ask everyone to think of two true statements and one false statement about themselves. Give 2 minutes of thinking time.
- 2
Each person shares their three statements in any order.
- 3
The rest of the group votes (by show of hands or verbally) on which statement they think is the lie.
- 4
The person reveals the lie and briefly explains the true statements.
- 5
Continue until everyone has shared.
Tips
Encourage counter-intuitive truths — the more surprising the better.
Works best in groups where people don't know each other well.
For large groups, run in pairs or small breakouts first, then share highlights with the full group.
Variations
Run as 'Two Lies and a Truth' for a twist. For professional contexts, restrict statements to work-related topics. For remote teams, use a polling tool for the voting step.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Two Truths and a Lie?â–¾
Use Two Truths and a Lie when you want to: Team onboarding; Workshop openings; New team formation; Conference ice breakers.
How long does Two Truths and a Lie take?â–¾
Two Truths and a Lie typically takes 10–20 minutes.
How many participants does Two Truths and a Lie work for?â–¾
Two Truths and a Lie works best for groups of 3–30 participants.
What materials do I need for Two Truths and a Lie?â–¾
Two Truths and a Lie requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Two Truths and a Lie to facilitate?â–¾
Two Truths and a Lie is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
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