Name and Purpose
- Three Words gives each person a moment to say something true about themselves beyond just their name.
- It builds connection quickly because people often find unexpected things they share.
a.k.a.
- Three-Word Introduction, Name and Three
Age / Group / Time / Space
- Ages 8-16 | 5-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Any space where participants can see each other; works in-person or online
Materials
- No materials required
- Optional: whiteboard or shared screen to display names during online sessions
Quick-Run Card
- Staff model the format: say your name and three words that make you unique.
- Call on the first participant by name.
- That participant shares their three words, then calls the next person by name.
- Continue until everyone has shared.
- Close with a short debrief.
Setup and Boundaries
- Ensure everyone can see each other clearly, whether in a circle or on a screen.
- Signal: one raised hand means the current speaker has the floor; two claps means wrap up and pass on.
- Remind participants at the start that there are no wrong answers.
How to Play
- Staff introduce the format by sharing their own name and three words first.
- Staff call on the first participant by name.
- That participant shares their three words.
- They then call the next participant by name from the group.
- If someone is unsure of a name, they can say “I am calling on you” with a gesture; the person shares their name and then their three words.
- Continue until everyone has shared.
- Optional: after the full round, invite anyone to share a connection they noticed.
I-OPt Options
- A (Active): Share quickly and confidently, listen for unexpected connections.
- S (Support): React warmly to others’ words; affirm connections out loud.
- Q (Quiet): Prepare words in advance; share at a calm, comfortable pace.
- O (Observer): Listen through the first round; share when called or pass with “I am listening today” if the group norm allows.
Inclusion Adaptations
- Players who need extra time can be given a moment to think before sharing; staff can say “Take your time, we are with you.”
- For online or hybrid groups, participants can type their three words in the chat as a parallel option.
Stewardship Moment
- No materials, no waste.
- Reflection: “Three words to describe a person is a tiny picture. What would it take to really know someone?”
Consent
- Pre-brief: “We will each share three words that feel true to us. There is no right or wrong answer. For those who would like a moment to think before speaking, that is completely fine.”
- For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
- Mid-game check: Not needed for a single-round sharing activity; staff reads the room and adjusts pacing if anyone looks hesitant.
- Opt-out/re-entry: Any participant can say “I am still thinking” and the group moves on; staff comes back to them at the end of the round.
Risks and Mitigation
- A participant choosing words that are hurtful or inappropriate: staff gently redirect with “Let us try one that others can connect with” without drawing out the moment.
- Participants feeling compared unfavourably: avoid ranking or evaluating the words; staff celebrate variety.
- Slower groups running long: set a gentle time signal (one clap) after 20 seconds per person.
Warm-Up Suggestions
- Word Association: go around the circle with one quick word each before the full activity.
- Emoji Round: for online groups, ask each person to post one emoji that represents how they are feeling right now.
Debrief Questions
- What? “Which three words stuck with you from today?”
- So What? “What did it feel like to describe yourself in just three words?”
- Now What? “Is there a word someone used that you want to learn more about?”
Cleanup and Reset
- No cleanup required.
- Erase any whiteboard notes if used.
