Icebreakers · Connectors & Mixers

Sneaky Slogans

A fast, low-effort way to randomly pair people up for an activity.

IcebreakerMixerMingling

Duration: 5 min
Participants: 1–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–50, 50+
Energy: Medium
Difficulty: Beginner
Materials: Printed
Prep time: 5 minutes

2 min read · Delivery: Offline

Overview

Purpose. A fast, low-effort way to randomly pair people up for an activity.

When to use. Early in a session, especially with a group that doesn't know each other well yet.

Best for. Any group size, in person.

Facilitator preparation

Prepare index cards in advance: pick a set of well-known phrases or sayings, split each one roughly in half, and write one half on each of two cards, enough pairs for the whole group. See Trainer's Reference below.

Room setup. Enough open space for participants to mingle and compare cards.

Virtual setup. This works best in person. If you must run it virtually, assign matching pairs directly into breakout rooms instead.

Hybrid setup. Assign remote participants into pairs separately, then announce all pairs together.

Materials. Prepared index cards with split slogans

How to Conduct

Before the session, prepare index cards with a set of well-known phrases or sayings, each split in half across two cards (see Trainer's Reference below).
Hand one card to each participant as they arrive, or at the start of the activity.
Explain the challenge: mingle and find whoever is holding the other half of your phrase.
Once paired, have each pair introduce themselves to each other.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP

Expect a little shyness in the first 30 seconds, followed by a quick warm-up once one or two people go first.

Trainer's Reference: choosing phrases to split

Any well-known phrase, proverb, or saying works for this, split roughly in half at a natural break point. Familiar sayings like “better late than… / …never,” or “the early bird catches… / …the worm” work well, since most people recognize them instantly once they see both halves together. Pick phrases your specific group is likely to know, and avoid anything that could be read as a commercial brand's advertising slogan.

After the activity

DEBRIEF QUESTIONS

What part of “Sneaky Slogans” felt easy, and what part felt harder than expected?
Did you recognize the phrase right away, or did it take piecing together with your partner?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS