Psychology Masks - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Participants paint masks showing their public persona on the outside and true inner self on the inside, then share meanings.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 1,693 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 4.5/5.0 by 245 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Creative, Deep Talk
π How to Play Psychology Masks Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Setup & Concept Introduction
10 min㪠Say This:
"Today we're exploring identity through art! You'll each create a Psychology Mask with two sides: the outside shows how others see you - your public persona, the face you show the world. The inside represents your true inner self - thoughts, feelings, and values only you know. There are no right answers, no artistic judgment. This is about self-expression and authenticity. Let's begin!"
π What to Do:
- 1.Set up workstations with masks, paints, brushes, and protective coverings
- 2.Distribute one blank mask to each participant
- 3.Explain the dual nature: outside = public persona, inside = inner self
- 4.Give examples: 'Outside might show confidence, professionalism, friendliness. Inside might show vulnerability, dreams, fears, passions.'
- 5.Emphasize: use symbols, images, colors, words - whatever feels meaningful
- 6.Clarify: this isn't an art contest - it's personal expression
- 7.Allow 5 minutes for participants to brainstorm ideas before painting
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Artistic skill doesn't matter - stick figures and simple symbols work beautifully
- β’Encourage abstract representation: 'Colors can represent emotions, shapes can symbolize concepts'
- β’Suggest starting with the outside (easier) before tackling the inner self
- β’Play calm background music to create a reflective atmosphere
- β’Remind them: you'll be sharing the meaning, not being judged on technique
- β’For non-artists, offer stencils, stickers, or magazine cutouts as alternatives to freehand painting
Step 2: Mask Creation Time
35 min㪠Say This:
"You have 30 minutes to create your mask. Remember: outside is how others see you, inside is your true self. Take your time, think deeply about what you want to express. I'll give time warnings as we go. Let your creativity flow!"
π What to Do:
- 1.Participants work on their masks (30 minutes total)
- 2.Circulate quietly, offering encouragement and assistance
- 3.Give time warnings: '20 minutes left', '10 minutes', '5 minutes to finish up'
- 4.Encourage those who finish early to add more detail or reflect on their choices
- 5.As masks dry, have participants jot down notes about what they'll share
- 6.Set up a display area for the finished masks
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Watch for perfectionists who get stuck - remind them: 'Progress over perfection'
- β’If someone struggles with the 'inner self', prompt: 'What drives you? What do you value most? What do you hide from the world?'
- β’The contrast between outside/inside often reveals a lot - that's the power of this activity
- β’Some masks will be very literal (smiley face outside, sad face inside), others abstract - both are valid
- β’Don't rush the creation - this is meditative and introspective time
- β’If masks need drying time, take a short break before sharing
Step 3: Share & Display
15 min㪠Say This:
"Now comes the vulnerable part - sharing! Who wants to go first? Show us your mask, explain what the outside represents, then flip it over and share what the inside means to you. Remember, we're here to listen and learn, not judge. Who's brave enough to start?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Invite volunteers to share their masks one at a time
- 2.Each person holds up their mask, explains the outside, then reveals the inside
- 3.Encourage 2-3 minutes per person for sharing
- 4.After each share, allow brief questions or affirming comments from the group
- 5.As masks are shared, display them in a visible area
- 6.Continue until everyone who wants to share has done so (allow 'passes' for the shy)
- 7.End with group reflection: 'What did you notice about our team through this activity?'
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’The sharing is where the magic happens - deep conversations emerge
- β’Model vulnerability by sharing your own mask first if needed
- β’Listen for themes: do many people feel misunderstood? Hide certain parts of themselves?
- β’Affirm brave sharing: 'Thank you for trusting us with that'
- β’If someone's too private to share the inside, respect that - they can share just the outside
- β’The displayed masks become ongoing conversation starters in the office
- β’Follow-up idea: revisit the masks in 6 months and see if anyone's inner/outer selves have shifted
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone isn't comfortable sharing their inner self publicly?
A: Make sharing optional. Say upfront: 'You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with.' Some may only explain the outside of their mask, or share in vague terms. The creation process itself is valuable even without public sharing. You can also offer 'pair and share' where people discuss with just one trusted partner instead of the whole group.
Q: This feels very personal - is it appropriate for work?
A: It depends on your team's culture and trust level. For established teams with psychological safety, this activity builds deep connection. For new or formal teams, it may feel too vulnerable. Gauge your team's comfort with introspection before choosing this activity. You can also make it lighter: 'work persona vs. weekend persona' instead of 'public vs. private self.'
Q: What if someone can't draw or paint at all?
A: Emphasize from the start: 'This isn't about artistic skill.' Offer alternatives: collage with magazine cutouts, use word-based designs, create patterns with tape, or use stencils and stamps. Some of the most powerful masks are simple: just two colors (one for outside, one for inside) or basic symbols (sun outside, storm inside). The meaning matters, not the technique.
π Free Tools for This Game
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