Two Truths and a Lie Ideas and Strategies for Work

Two truths and a lie is a classic icebreaker game that has been played for decades. It's a great way to get to know others, test your instincts, and have a few laughs along the way. In this blog, we'll explore the basics of two truths and a lie and provide some fun and creative examples that you can use at work.

Understanding the Basics of Two Truths and a Lie

The Origin of Two Truths and a Lie

The origins of two truths and a lie are somewhat unclear, but it's safe to say that it has been played in some form or another for a long time. Some historians believe that it emerged as a parlor game in the late 19th century, while others trace its roots back even further. Regardless of its origins, two truths and a lie has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved game worldwide.

The Rules of the Game

Two truths and a lie is a simple game that requires players to come up with two true statements about themselves and one false statement. The objective is to trick others into believing that the false statement is true, while also trying to determine which statements made by others are lies. Players take turns sharing their statements, and the rest of the group must guess which one is the lie.

This game can be played in various settings, from family gatherings to office parties to classroom activities. In this blog, we’ll focus on ideas for professional settings.

As the game progresses, players often find creative ways to craft their statements in order to make them more believable or more outrageous. Some may choose to include obscure or unexpected details to throw off their opponents, while others may focus on sharing personal anecdotes that reveal more about their personalities.

It’s a great way to get to know your team better and promote authenticity and psychological safety at work. Let’s get into it!

Crafting Your Own Two Truths and a Lie

Tips for Creating Engaging Truths

When crafting your two truths and a lie, it's important to come up with statements that are engaging and challenging. Here are a few tips to help you create intriguing truths:

1. Think outside the box: Don't be afraid to get creative with your truths. The more unexpected or unusual they are, the more likely they are to capture the attention of the other players.
2. Use vivid details: Adding specific details to your truths can make them more convincing. For example, instead of saying "I've been to Europe," you could say "I went to 10 bakeries in Paris all in one day." Including sensory descriptions, memorable anecdotes, or interesting facts can make your statements more interesting.
3. Consider your audience: Tailor your truths to the interests and knowledge of the people you'll be playing with. Think about what topics or experiences might resonate with them and incorporate those into your statements. For instance, if you're playing with a group of avid travelers, you might share truths related to your adventures in far-flung destinations, such as hiking through the lush rainforests of Costa Rica or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your truths are not only engaging but also thought-provoking, sparking lively discussions and friendly debates among your colleagues.

Strategies for Developing Convincing Lies

Coming up with convincing lies can be a fun challenge. Here are a few strategies to help you develop believable statements:

• Create a plausible backstory: Provide a backstory or context for your lie to make it more convincing. Think about why someone might believe your lie and incorporate those elements into your statement. For example, if your lie is about being a professional chef, you can share a fictional story about how you developed your passion for cooking during a summer internship at a renowned culinary school.
• Mix truth with fiction: Blending elements of truth with your lie can make it harder for others to distinguish fact from fiction. Select a true statement related to your lie and intertwine the two to create a compelling story. This technique adds an extra layer of complexity to your lie, leaving your fellow players guessing. Just remember to keep the balance between truth and fiction, ensuring that your lie doesn't become too obvious or implausible.

By employing these strategies, you can master the art of crafting convincing lies, making the game of Two Truths and a Lie even more exciting and challenging for everyone involved.

Fun and Creative Ideas for Two Truths and a Lie

Themed Ideas for Two Truths and a Lie

It can be easier to come up with two truths and a lie in themes. For example, you might choose traveling as a theme. Here are some ideas for travel-related statements you can make that may or may not be true for you:

• I have visited every state in the United States, including some territories.
• I was 18 the first time I saw snow on vacation in Utah.
• I have family in Sicily, Italy that I visit regularly.

Another theme you could choose is pets. Here are some ideas for that:

• I had a pet goldfish I won at a town fair that lived for ten years.
• I’m deathly allergic to cats and carry an epi pen with me.
• I used to be a dog walker on the side in college and once walked Ryan Gosling’s dog.

Skill-related Two Truths and a Lie Ideas

You might want to limit the game to truths and lies that incorporate skills related to work in some way. This might allow you to learn interesting unseen skills your coworkers have that can be applied to your team directly.

Here’s an example:

• In a previous role, I used to give presentations in front of over a thousand people on a regular basis.
• I taught myself how to code in college and built a game that was in the top 3 in the Apple App Store in its category.
• I write non-fiction essays in my free time.

If you want to focus your team around something work-related without limiting their ideas to work, you might want to limit your team to Two Truths and a Lie ideas that relate to your team values. For example, if one team value relates to working together, a team member might share a truth about a cool class project in college or perhaps a funny story from their childhood soccer team.

That’s a Wrap!

The next time you're looking for a fun and engaging activity for your team, give two truths and a lie a try. It’s perfect for a remote onboarding activity, in-person team offsites, or even a fun way to start a team meeting. It's a game that never gets old and never fails to entertain. You’ll get to know your team better while also playing a game that involves creativity and strategy.

Interested in fostering authentic team culture? Sign up for Candor today for free.