Guess Who (Anonymous Fact)

How to Play

Setup

1. Before the session, the host asks each participant to submit one surprising, true fact about themselves (e.g., 'I once met a president'). Share simple guardrails: keep it safe-for-work, respectful, and something they are comfortable revealing.
2. Collect facts anonymously via paper slips, a quick survey form, or direct messages before the game. Remind participants to keep facts unique and non-identifying.
3. Clean and anonymize: remove names, exact dates, company-specific jargon, or obvious clues that could give the person away. Standardize phrasing for consistency.
4. Prepare a visible roster of all participants' names (whiteboard, slide, or printed list) so guessers have a clear set of options.
5. Optional: set up a simple scoring method (tally on a board) and decide a time cap per fact (60–90 seconds) to keep pace.

Gameplay

1. The host reads one anonymous fact aloud to the group.
2. Clarifying phase (optional): allow up to two yes/no clarifying questions directed to the host only. The host may answer only if it does not directly reveal identity.
3. Guessing: choose a format that fits your group size.
   • Free-for-all: individuals raise a hand and make one guess each.
   • Team mode: small groups confer briefly and submit one written or whispered guess per round.
4. Reveal: once guesses are locked, the owner of the fact raises a hand or steps forward. Invite a 10–20 second anecdote if they are comfortable.
5. Scoring (optional): award 1 point to each person/team that guessed correctly. If no one guesses correctly, award 1 point to the fact owner (they stumped the group). Keep the tone playful rather than competitive.
6. Continue until you have used all facts or time expires. Debrief with a quick reflection: 'What surprised you? What did you learn about teammates?'

Rules

1. Facts must be true, appropriate, and respectful; avoid sensitive personal information or topics that could embarrass or exclude others.
2. No hinting, leading questions, or reaction giveaways during a round. Keep neutral expressions to maintain fairness.
3. One guess per person or team per fact.
4. The host may decline to answer clarifying questions that risk revealing identity.
5. Participation is voluntary; anyone may pass on submitting a fact or sharing extra details after the reveal.

Tips

• Seed ideas in the invite: hidden talent, unusual travel, first job, quirky hobby, surprising award, unexpected fear.
• Keep momentum: run a visible timer. Plan for 8–15 facts in 15–30 minutes.
• Start with a few easier facts to build confidence and laughter.
• Celebrate each reveal with applause or emojis to reinforce psychological safety.
• For hybrid groups, display facts on a shared screen and rotate guesses between in-room and remote participants.

Variations

• Lightning Round: 30-second limit per fact, no clarifying questions.
• Panel Mode: pick 3–5 rotating guessers to voice guesses for the whole room.
• Deductions Only: guessers must briefly state why they chose a person.
• Remote Play: collect via a form; present facts in slides; gather guesses via chat, poll, or breakout teams.
• Themed Edition: ask for facts on a theme (travel, food, childhood, hidden skills) to focus the stories.