Invisible Object Show and Tell - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Participants describe an 'invisible' object in detail while others guess what it is, revealing personal insights and storytelling skills.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 2,548 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 4.2/5.0 by 248 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Creative, Deep Talk, Fun
π How to Play Invisible Object Show and Tell Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Introduction & First Presenter
5 min㪠Say This:
"Welcome to Invisible Object Show and Tell! Here's how it works: you'll 'hold' an invisible object - something meaningful to you - and describe it without saying what it is. Describe its size, weight, texture, color, what it's used for, where you got it. We'll guess what it is! Let me demonstrate: [Pretend to hold something, describe it]. What am I holding? [After guesses] A childhood teddy bear! See? Your turn - who wants to go first?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Explain the concept: describe an invisible object without naming it
- 2.Demonstrate first as the host to model the activity
- 3.Emphasize: use sensory details (how it feels, looks, weighs, etc.)
- 4.Encourage participants to pantomime holding/using the object
- 5.Rules: can describe everything EXCEPT the object's name
- 6.First volunteer describes their invisible object (2-3 minutes)
- 7.Group guesses based on the description
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Start with your own example to break the ice and show vulnerability
- β’Encourage choosing objects with personal significance, not just random items
- β’Prompt sensory descriptions: 'How heavy is it?' 'What does it smell like?' 'Is it smooth or rough?'
- β’Remind them: you can choose ANYTHING - childhood toys, family heirlooms, dream objects, symbolic items
- β’For shy participants, let them 'pass' and come back to them later
- β’Virtual tip: exaggerate pantomime gestures since camera angles are limited
Step 2: Guess & Share Stories
20 min㪠Say This:
"Great guesses! [Once object is guessed or revealed] Now tell us - why did you choose this object? What's the story behind it? [After story] Thank you for sharing! Who's next?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Continue with volunteers taking turns presenting their invisible objects
- 2.Aim for 2-3 minutes per person (description + guessing + story)
- 3.After each description, let the group make 3-5 guesses before revealing
- 4.Once guessed/revealed, the presenter shares why this object is meaningful
- 5.Encourage follow-up questions: 'When did you get it?' 'Do you still have it?'
- 6.Continue until everyone has had a turn or time runs out
- 7.For large groups (10+), consider pairs presenting to each other, then sharing highlights with the group
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’The stories are where the real connection happens - make space for them!
- β’If guessing is too easy, challenge: 'Describe it more cryptically'
- β’If guessing is too hard, allow hints or yes/no questions after 5 wrong guesses
- β’Watch for common themes: childhood items, family heirlooms, lost objects, aspirational things
- β’Some objects will be funny (a rubber chicken), others profound (grandmother's ring) - both are valuable
- β’Point out patterns: 'Three people chose childhood toys - what does that say about what we treasure?'
Step 3: Reflection & Insights
5 min㪠Say This:
"What a collection of invisible treasures! What patterns did you notice in the objects people chose? What surprised you about someone's choice? How was this different from traditional show and tell? What did you learn about each other that you didn't know before?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Bring the group together for reflection
- 2.Ask: 'What themes emerged? What types of objects did people choose?'
- 3.Invite observations: 'Whose object surprised you most?' 'What does this reveal about our team?'
- 4.Discuss the power of the 'invisible' format: 'How did NOT having the physical object change the activity?'
- 5.Point out psychological insights: nostalgic choices, aspirational objects, symbolic items
- 6.Thank everyone for their vulnerability and creativity
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’The 'invisible' aspect is liberating - people can choose objects that are lost, far away, or conceptual
- β’Great reflection: 'Traditional show and tell limits you to what you have on hand. This version lets you choose what truly matters.'
- β’Notice categories: sentimental items, functional tools, aspirational objects, symbolic tokens
- β’Ask: 'Did anyone choose something they wish they still had?' 'Did anyone choose something they dream of owning?'
- β’Takeaway: 'What we value reveals who we are - and sharing those values builds connection'
- β’Follow-up idea: create a 'team treasure map' listing everyone's invisible objects
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone chooses something too abstract or impossible to guess?
A: That's actually interesting! Abstract choices (like 'happiness' or 'my potential') reveal a lot about the person. If the object is unguessable, give a hint after a few tries or let them reveal it and focus on the story instead. The goal isn't stumping people - it's sharing what matters to you. You can also set ground rules: 'Choose a physical object, not an abstract concept.'
Q: How is this better than regular show and tell?
A: Regular show and tell limits participants to objects they happen to have with them. 'Invisible Object' removes that constraint - people can choose childhood treasures they no longer own, items from far away, dream objects they aspire to have, or symbolically important things. This often leads to more meaningful, personal choices and deeper conversations.
Q: Can we play this with kids or is it too abstract?
A: Kids actually love this! Their imaginations make it even more fun. They'll choose favorite toys, pets, magical objects from stories, or things they're proud of. For younger kids (under 8), give examples first: 'Pretend you're holding your favorite stuffed animal - describe it without saying its name!' Kids are often more creative and less self-conscious than adults with this activity.
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