The Name Game

How to Play

Setup

1. Arrange chairs in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other clearly.
2. Appoint a facilitator to explain the rules, keep the pace, and gently support anyone who gets stuck.
3. Optional: Provide name tags and a visible timer to keep the activity brisk (10–15 minutes for 8–20 people).

How to Play

1. Introduce the concept: Each participant pairs an adjective with their first name that starts with the same letter or sound (alliteration), such as “Clever Claire” or “Jovial John.” Encourage positive and work-appropriate words.
2. The first person says their alliterative name aloud: “Clever Claire.”
3. The second person repeats the first person’s phrase, then adds their own: “Clever Claire, and I’m Jovial John.”
4. Continue clockwise. Each new person repeats all previous names in order and adds their own: “Clever Claire, Jovial John, Artistic Amy, Bold Brian, and I’m Energetic Emma.”
5. If someone hesitates, the group can offer a quick prompt (a letter-appropriate adjective) but let the speaker make the final choice.
6. After the last person has added their name, optionally do a rapid final round where everyone says just the chain up to themselves, to reinforce memory.

Rules

1. Use an adjective that starts with the same letter or sound as your first name (e.g., “C” for Claire; soft “G” for Gina works with “Genuine Gina”).
2. Keep adjectives unique—no repeats in the same circle.
3. Stay respectful and positive; avoid slang, sensitive, or inappropriate terms.
4. Speak clearly and at a steady pace so others can hear and remember.
5. Everyone must attempt to recite the full list before adding their own name.
6. If a duplicate or tricky letter causes trouble, choose a near-sound match or a two-word phrase (e.g., “Quick-thinking Quinn”).

Tips

• Prime the group with a few examples per letter to reduce pressure (e.g., A: Artistic, Adventurous; J: Jovial, Joyful; M: Mindful, Mighty).
• Encourage participants to add a simple gesture to their adjective (e.g., a “strong” pose for “Mighty Mia”). Gestures act as memory anchors.
• Keep momentum with a friendly rhythm—light claps or snaps can help pace the recitation.
• For very large or quiet rooms, have people project their voice or stand briefly when speaking.
• Celebrate near-misses—prompt, don’t police. The goal is connection and recall, not perfection.

Variations

1. Reverse Order: After completing the circle, try reciting backward from the last person to the first.
2. Gesture Chain: Each person adds a gesture with their adjective; subsequent players repeat all gestures along with names.
3. Themed Adjectives: Tie words to company values, project themes, or event topics (e.g., “Curious,” “Collaborative,” “Customer-centric”).
4. Speed Round: Time the full circle, then try to beat the time on a second pass.
5. Team Relay (for larger groups): Split into two circles. Each completes the chain, then nominate one member to recite the other team’s chain as a fun challenge.