2 Truths and a Lie

Name and Purpose

• 2 Truths and a Lie is a quick, low-pressure way for a group to discover surprising things about each other.
• Players practise listening, curiosity, and making connections with people they are just getting to know.

a.k.a.

• Two Truths One Lie

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 6-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any seated circle or open area, indoors or out

Materials

• Optional: index cards and pens (for the written variation)
• A comfortable seated circle

Quick-Run Card

1. Everyone thinks of two true facts and one lie about themselves.
2. Each person shares all three in any order they choose.
3. The group votes on which one they think is the lie.
4. The speaker reveals the answer.
5. Celebrate and chat about what you just learned.

Setup and Boundaries

• Arrange seating in a circle so everyone can see each other
• Signal: raised hand means pause; two claps means bring attention back
• Remind the group that all three statements should be appropriate and kind

How to Play

1. Give everyone 1-2 minutes to quietly think of their two truths and one lie.
2. One person volunteers or is invited to go first.
3. They share all three items in any order.
4. The group discusses and agrees on which one they believe is the lie.
5. The speaker reveals the correct answer.
6. Take a brief moment to celebrate or ask a follow-up question about something interesting.
7. Move to the next person. Repeat until everyone has shared.

Variation: Anonymous Card Round

• Each person writes their three items on an index card (no name).
• Collect cards, shuffle, and read them one at a time.
• The group guesses both the lie AND who wrote the card.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Share your own truths and lie; actively vote and discuss
• S (Support): Ask a kind follow-up question after someone’s reveal
• Q (Quiet): Participate by voting non-verbally (thumbs, finger signal) instead of speaking aloud
• O (Observer): Listen and observe for the first round; join when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players may write their three items instead of speaking them aloud
• The facilitator can model going first to lower the stakes for quieter participants

Stewardship Moment

• If index cards are used, collect them at the end for reuse or recycling
• Reflection: “What did you learn today that surprised you? How does knowing more about someone change how you feel about them?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “In this activity you share two true things and one made-up thing about yourself. You choose what to share. For those not comfortable speaking in front of the group, writing your answers on a card is another option.”
• Mid-game check: After 3-4 rounds, pause. “Everyone doing okay? Give me a thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Anyone may pass on their turn by saying “pass” and re-join when ready.

Risks and Mitigation

• A statement that accidentally embarrasses someone: remind participants beforehand to keep content kind and appropriate
• Group pressure to reveal more than intended: reinforce that players choose exactly what to share, nothing more
• Dominant voices taking over the discussion: use a gentle “let’s hear from someone who hasn’t spoken yet” redirect

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Name and Gesture”: each person shares their name with a body movement; the group mirrors it
• “One Word Weather”: go around the circle; each person describes their mood in one weather word

Debrief Questions

• What? “What was the most surprising truth you heard today?”
• So What? “Why do you think it can be hard to guess when someone is telling a lie?”
• Now What? “What is one thing you learned about someone here that you want to remember?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect any index cards for reuse or recycling
• No other cleanup required