Icebreakers · Get-to-Know-You

Nickname Game

Playful disclosure that often sticks, people may get called by the nickname for the rest of the session.

IcebreakerRapportPersonal Sharing

Duration: 30 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

Overview

Purpose. Playful disclosure that often sticks; people may get called by the nickname for the rest of the session.

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.

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

Materials.

How to Conduct

Explain the prompt: each person will share a nickname they've had, growing up or currently, and the story of how they got it.
Give everyone a moment to think.
Go around the group, each person sharing their nickname and its story.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP

Most groups laugh within the first minute; that's a good sign, not a distraction.

Trainer's Reference: how this differs from the Name Games version

This is close in spirit to “What's in a Name? (Nickname Share)” in the Name Games section, which is run in small groups on flipchart paper. This version is simpler: one nickname, shared with the whole room in turn, with no small-group or flipchart step. Use whichever fits your session better, they shouldn't both be needed in the same program.

After the activity

DEBRIEF QUESTIONS

What part of “Nickname Game” felt easy, and what part felt harder than expected?
Did anyone end up getting called by their nickname for the rest of the session?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS