Illustration of a person reflecting quietly with a notebook

Icebreakers · Get-to-Know-You

I Want to Be…

A fun way to open self-disclosure through a fantasy lens.

IcebreakerRapportPersonal Sharing
Duration
20 min
Participants
1–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–50, 50+
Energy
Low
Difficulty
Beginner
Materials
None
Prep time
5 minutes

2 min read · Delivery: Offline

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Overview

Purpose. A fun way to open self-disclosure through a fantasy lens.

When to use. In the first 15 minutes of a session, once names are known and the group is settling in.

Best for. Any group size, in person.

Facilitator preparation

  • No materials to gather; just read through the steps once before you run it.

Room setup. Arrange seating so everyone can see and hear each other clearly.

Virtual setup. Works over video call, going around the participant list for each round.

Hybrid setup. Alternate between an in-room and a remote participant for each turn.

Materials.

How to Conduct

  1. Explain round one: each participant will introduce themselves as a famous person, real or fictional, that they'd like to be, speaking in character as if they were that person.
  2. Go around the group for round one, each person introducing themselves in character.
  3. Explain round two: now everyone reintroduces themselves as their real name.
  4. Go around the group again for round two, and invite a few people to briefly reflect on what it felt like returning to their real identity after playing someone else.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP

  • A few participants may hang back at first; let them opt in when they're ready rather than forcing a turn.

After the activity

DEBRIEF QUESTIONS

  • What part of “I Want to Be…” felt easy, and what part felt harder than expected?
  • Did playing someone else make it easier or harder to introduce yourself?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  • Where in your day-to-day work does stepping into a different perspective, even briefly, change how you see something?

Learning outcome. Participants leave having played with identity a little, then returned to their own with a bit more ease.

Variations and cautions

Printable checklist

  • No materials needed
  • Debrief questions ready
  • Timer set for 20 min
  • Room / call set up so all can see and hear each other

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