Six Word Memoirs - Ice Breaker Game
π― Quick Summary
Each person distills their life story or identity into exactly six powerful words and shares with the group.
β Why This Ice Breaker Game Works
- β’This ice breaker has been used by 2,545 teams worldwide
- β’Rated 4.2/5.0 by 111 facilitators who used this icebreaker game
- β’Perfect ice breaker for: Deep Talk, Creative
π How to Play Six Word Memoirs Ice Breaker (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Word Brainstorm
3 min㪠Say This:
"We're going to tell our stories using just six words - sounds impossible, right? But trust me, the constraint is where the magic happens. First, grab your paper and pen. For the next 3 minutes, write down as many words as you can about yourself - things you like, feelings you have, roles you play. Don't overthink it, just keep writing. Quantity over quality right now! Ready? Go!"
π What to Do:
- 1.Give everyone paper and pen
- 2.Set timer for 3 minutes
- 3.Encourage rapid brainstorming - no editing, crossing out, or stopping
- 4.Prompt if people get stuck: 'What do you love? What makes you unique? What challenges have you faced?'
- 5.After 3 minutes, have everyone circle their 3 most inspiring words - words that spark a story or emotion
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Model vulnerability by sharing your own word list first to set the tone
- β’Remind participants this is for themselves - no judgment, no right answers
- β’For shy groups, allow option to brainstorm silently before sharing
- β’Virtual tip: Use breakout rooms of 2-3 people for more intimate sharing
- β’For kids: prompt with categories like 'favorite things', 'dreams', 'what makes you special'
Step 2: Free-Write & Craft
5 min㪠Say This:
"Great! Now look at your circled words and pick ONE that really speaks to you. For the next 2 minutes, free-write about it. Just let your thoughts flow - don't worry about grammar or making sense. Write whatever comes to mind. After that, you'll distill everything into just six words. Those six words are your memoir. Go!"
π What to Do:
- 1.Have participants choose 1 of their 3 circled words
- 2.Set timer for 2 minutes of free-writing
- 3.Remind them: don't stop writing, whatever comes to mind is valid
- 4.After 2 minutes, give 3 minutes to craft their 6-word memoir
- 5.The memoir should capture the essence of their free-write or their identity
- 6.Encourage specific, honest language over generic phrases
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Share example memoirs to spark ideas: 'Three schools, three years, what next?', 'Mom just revoked my creative license', 'Life is better with headphones on'
- β’Remind them: it's okay to revise - first draft doesn't have to be final
- β’For those stuck, suggest formats: 'Subject + Action', 'Before/After contrast', 'Problem + Hope'
- β’Emphasize: authentic > clever, personal > generic
- β’Virtual: play soft instrumental music during writing time to create focus
Step 3: Share & Connect
7 min㪠Say This:
"Who wants to share their six words with us? Remember, there's no right or wrong - these are YOUR words, YOUR story. As we listen, think about what surprises you, what resonates, what you want to know more about. I'll go first: [Share yours]. Who's next?"
π What to Do:
- 1.Host shares their memoir first to model vulnerability
- 2.Go around circle (or call on volunteers)
- 3.Each person reads their 6 words aloud - no explanation yet
- 4.After everyone shares once, open for discussion
- 5.Ask follow-up questions: 'What inspired those words?' 'What surprised you about this exercise?' 'Whose memoir made you think, me too?'
- 6.Celebrate common themes and unique perspectives
π‘ Pro Tips:
- β’Create a 'no interruption' rule during initial shares for psychological safety
- β’Notice memoirs that spark questions and invite elaboration: 'Tell us more about...'
- β’Point out unexpected connections: 'Three of you mentioned change - what's that about?'
- β’For large groups (15+), have people pair-share first, then volunteers share with whole group
- β’Optional: create a 'memoir wall' where everyone posts their 6 words for others to read
- β’Virtual: have people type memoirs in chat, then read select ones aloud and discuss
β οΈ Common Questions (Avoid Problems)
Q: What if someone can't think of six words or struggles with writing?
A: Pair them with a supportive buddy who can help brainstorm out loud. Alternatively, let them draw pictures of 6 things about themselves, then translate those into words. For non-writers, allow them to speak their memoir instead of writing it. The goal is expression, not perfect grammar. You can also provide sentence starters: 'I am...', 'I wish...', 'I remember...'
Q: Can we use this activity for specific topics beyond personal identity?
A: Absolutely! Six Word Memoirs work for any topic. Try: 'Describe this year in six words', 'What does success mean in six words?', 'From a historical figure's perspective...', 'Our team's mission in six words', or 'My hope for the future in six words.' The format adapts beautifully to curriculum, team goals, or processing difficult experiences.
Q: How do I create psychological safety for sharing personal stories?
A: Start by sharing your own memoir first - model authenticity and vulnerability. Establish ground rules: what's shared stays in the room, listen without judgment, passing is always okay. Start with lighter prompts ('Your weekend in 6 words') before going deeper. Emphasize that memoirs can be funny, serious, cryptic, or anywhere in between - all responses are valid.
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PDF Handout
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