Guess Who - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Players perform impressions of coworkers or celebrities while others guess who is being impersonated.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 1,381 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 4.5/5.0 by 121 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Fun, Team Building
π How to Play Guess Who Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup & Name Selection
5 min㪠Say This:
"Welcome to Guess Who! Today we're doing impressions of each other and famous people. Here's how it works: write down one name - either a coworker in this room or a well-known celebrity - on your slip of paper. Fold it up and put it in the bowl. Remember, keep it respectful and fun! You have 3 minutes to write your name."
π What to Do:
- 1.Give each participant a slip of paper and pen
- 2.Explain the two name options: coworkers present OR famous celebrities/public figures
- 3.Emphasize that impersonations must be respectful - no mocking or insulting
- 4.Set a 3-minute timer for writing names
- 5.Collect all folded slips in a bowl or bag
- 6.Mix up the slips thoroughly
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’For workplace safety, consider celebrity-only names if your team isn't comfortable impersonating each other yet
- β’Set ground rules upfront: 'Exaggerate positive traits, not negative ones' or 'Imitate mannerisms, not mock them'
- β’Suggest accessible celebrities everyone will recognize (avoid ultra-niche references)
- β’Optional: provide a few costume props (hats, glasses, scarves) to help with impressions
- β’If playing virtually, use breakout rooms for small group rounds
Step 2: Impressions & Guessing
20 min㪠Say This:
"Alright, let's begin! [Name], you're up first - draw a name from the bowl. Don't show anyone! You have up to 60 seconds to do your impression. You can use gestures, mannerisms, voices, movements - anything except saying the person's name. Everyone else, shout out your guesses! First person to guess correctly wins the round and goes next."
π What to Do:
- 1.First player draws a name from the bowl without showing anyone
- 2.Give them 10 seconds to think about their impression strategy
- 3.Player performs impression for up to 60 seconds (can be shorter if guessed quickly)
- 4.Performers can use: voice, gestures, mannerisms, catchphrases, movements, props
- 5.Performers CANNOT say the person's name or spell it out
- 6.Other players shout out guesses as the impression happens
- 7.First correct guesser wins the round and becomes the next performer
- 8.Continue until everyone has had 1-2 turns or time runs out
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’If no one guesses after 60 seconds, give a hint: 'This person is known for...' or reveal the first letter
- β’If the performer draws their own name (for coworker impressions), let them swap for a new one
- β’Encourage creative interpretations - funny voices, signature moves, famous quotes
- β’Watch the room energy - if someone's impression falls flat, move on quickly with encouragement
- β’For remote play: performers can use virtual backgrounds or show items from their desk as props
- β’If someone's impression is uncomfortable, step in: 'Great effort! Let's move to the next round'
Step 3: Reflection & Best Impression Award
5 min㪠Say This:
"That was hilarious! Let's vote on a few awards: Most Accurate Impression, Funniest Impression, and Most Unexpected Choice. Raise your hands to vote! [After voting] What surprised you most? Did anyone nail a coworker's mannerisms? Any impressions you'll never forget?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Announce 3-4 voting categories (Most Accurate, Funniest, Most Creative, Most Surprising)
- 2.Have the group vote by raising hands for each category
- 3.Celebrate the winners with applause or small prizes
- 4.Invite participants to share: 'Which impression surprised you?' 'Who nailed someone's mannerisms?'
- 5.Ask performers: 'What was hardest about your impression?' 'Did anyone guess faster than you expected?'
- 6.Thank everyone for being good sports and stepping out of their comfort zones
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’The reflection is key - it helps people process the fun and builds connections
- β’Ask: 'What did you notice about your coworkers that you never noticed before?'
- β’If coworker impressions were included, check in: 'Was everyone comfortable? Any feedback for next time?'
- β’Consider keeping a 'hall of fame' list of best impressions for future reference
- β’End with: 'What famous person would YOU want someone to impersonate you as?' (fun closing question)
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone's impression of a coworker is offensive or hurtful?
A: Set clear ground rules at the start: 'Celebrate each other's quirks, don't mock them. If you wouldn't say it to their face kindly, don't do it as an impression.' If an impression crosses a line, intervene immediately: 'Let's keep it respectful - next person!' Consider celebrity-only names if your team isn't ready for coworker impressions yet. Debrief afterward if anyone felt uncomfortable.
Q: What if someone is too shy to perform an impression?
A: Make it optional! Say: 'You can pass and we'll come back to you, or you can team up with someone for a duo impression.' Alternatively, let shy players describe the person in 3 words instead of acting. The goal is fun, not forcing anyone into discomfort. You can also start with celebrity-only impressions to ease everyone in.
Q: How do we make this work virtually?
A: Virtual Guess Who works great! Players can use Zoom reactions, virtual backgrounds, or props from their desk. For impressions, exaggerate vocal mannerisms since body language is limited on camera. Use breakout rooms for smaller groups (6-8 people) so everyone gets more turns. Players can also type celebrity names in a private chat to the host, who assigns them randomly.
π Free Tools for This Game
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PDF Handout
Print-ready participant guide + host notes
β Professional layout
β Branded (optional)
β Instant download
PPT Deck
Editable slides with rules & examples
β Fully customizable
β Add your branding
β Save as template
Smart Timer
Auto-paced with sound alerts
β Step-by-step timing
β Visual countdown
β Share screen ready
Adapt this game to your team culture, industry, or goals
Export clean files without FreeIceBreaker branding
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