The Name game
Activity Communication skills- The name game
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The Name Game
This engaging activity demonstrates how the type of questions we ask directly impacts the quality of information we receive. It’s fun, low-pressure, and a great way to warm up participants while exploring questioning techniques.
Time
15 minutes total
– Round 1: 10 minutes
– Round 2: 3–4 minutes
– Debrief: 1–2 minutes
Materials
- Post-it notes
- Pens or markers
- Optional: extra post-its for multiple rounds
Instructions and Set-up
- Hand each participant a post-it note and a pen.
- Divide the group into pairs, seated or standing face-to-face.
- Each person secretly writes the name of a famous person on their post-it.
- Without showing their partner, they stick the note to their partner’s forehead.
Round 1 – Closed Questions
Participants take turns asking closed (yes/no) questions to guess the identity on their forehead. They may continue asking as long as they receive “yes” answers. When the answer is “no,” they must switch and let their partner take their turn.
Example questions:
- Am I alive?
- Am I male?
- Am I a sports person?
After about 10 minutes, call time. Some participants may have guessed their names already. Ask those who have finished to write new names for their partner and continue playing. Others can keep trying to guess.
Round 2 – TED Questions Only
Now each person may ask only one open TED-style question on their turn — starting with Tell, Explain, or Describe. They must avoid asking yes/no questions. If they accidentally ask a closed question, they lose their turn.
Run this round for about 3–4 minutes before calling time.
Debrief & Discussion
- Which type of question was easier to think of — closed or TED?
- Which style helped you get closer to the answer faster?
- What does this activity tell us about how we typically ask questions in real conversations?
Trainer Tips
- Encourage participants to choose a wide variety of public figures across cultures and professions to keep the activity inclusive.
- Model a few sample TED questions before Round 2 (e.g., “Describe what I’m famous for”).
- Use this activity as a warm-up for communication, questioning, or coaching skills sessions.
Key Takeaway
Even though TED (Tell, Explain, Describe) questions are better for drawing out information, most of us default to closed yes/no questions. This exercise helps make that habit visible — and shift it.
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For deeper communication skills practice, check out the Emotional Intelligence Training Material Package, the Leadership and Teams Training Material Package, or our Presenting with Impact Training Material Package. You can also explore more games and energizers in our full Free Games & Activities Library.
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