
Icebreakers · Name Games
Name + Adjective(s)
Learn names quickly while adding a fun, memorable hook to each one.
- Duration
- 10 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 · Virtual
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Overview
Purpose. Learn names quickly while adding a fun, memorable hook to each one.
When to use. Right at the very start of a session, before any real content begins.
Best for. Any group size, in person or virtual.
Facilitator preparation
- No materials to gather; just read through the steps once before you run it.
- Have one example ready in your head (using your own name) so you can demonstrate first.
Room setup. Arrange seating so everyone can see and hear each other clearly.
Virtual setup. Works the same over video call; just go through people in the order they appear on screen or in the participant list.
Hybrid setup. Alternate between an in-room participant and a remote participant so both groups feel equally involved.
Materials.
How to Conduct
- Before anyone starts, explain the format out loud: each person will say their name along with one or two describing words (adjectives) that start with the same letter as their first name (this is called alliteration). Give an example: “Reliable Robert” or “Funny, Fabulous Fernanda.”
- Say your own name + adjective(s) first, out loud, as the live example. This removes the guesswork for the group.
- Go around the room (or around the screen, in a virtual session) one person at a time.
- Each person says their name + adjective(s) out loud when it's their turn.
- Continue until everyone has taken a turn.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP
- Most groups laugh within the first minute; that's a good sign, not a distraction. A person or two may freeze while thinking of a word; let the group shout out friendly suggestions if that happens.
After the activity
DEBRIEF QUESTIONS
- What part of “Name + Adjective(s)” felt easy, and what part felt harder than expected?
- How did this activity help you start learning people's names?
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Where in your day-to-day work could a quick, low-pressure way of remembering names come in handy?
Learning outcome. Participants leave having heard, and said, everyone's name at least once, with a memory hook attached to each one.
Variations and cautions
Printable checklist
- No materials needed
- Timer set for 5–10 min
- Your own example ready
- Room / call set up so all can see and hear each other
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