Two Truths and a Lie: How to Play at Work (With Examples)

Two truths and a lie is the classic icebreaker: each person shares three statements about themselves, two true and one false, and the group guesses which is the lie. It works at work because it's quick, everyone takes part, and colleagues learn surprising things about each other without anyone being put on the spot.

How to play two truths and a lie

1. Give everyone a minute to think of two true facts and one believable lie about themselves.
2. One person shares their three statements in any order.
3. The group discusses briefly and votes on which one is the lie.
4. The person reveals the lie and tells the story behind the true ones.
5. Move to the next person until everyone has had a turn.

Work-appropriate examples

Good statements are surprising but safe to share. For example:

• "I once worked as a lifeguard."
• "I've been to more than 20 countries."
• "I've never learned to ride a bike."
• "My first job was in a bakery."
• "I can solve a Rubik's cube."
• "I've run a marathon."
• "I've met a famous chef."
• "I speak three languages."

Work edition: career truths and lies

For teams that already know each other socially, try a career version. Each statement has to be about work: first jobs, biggest mistakes, odd projects, skills no one knows about. You'll learn things about your team's experience that never come up in meetings.

Remote version for virtual meetings

1. Ask each person to type their three statements in the chat, or prepare them in a shared slide.
2. Run a quick poll for each person, or ask everyone to type 1, 2 or 3 in the chat.
3. Reveal the answer and let the person tell the story on camera.

Tips to keep it fun

• Keep statements short so the guessing stays fast.
• Make it clear nobody has to share anything personal.
• With a large group, split into smaller groups of five or six so it doesn't drag.
• Follow up on the best stories later. That's where the connection happens.

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Two truths and a lie FAQs

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