Truth or Dare (Professional)

How to Play

Setup

1. Group size: 4–12 works best so everyone gets a turn without rushing.
2. Space: Arrange chairs in a circle or around a table with enough room for simple, safe movement (e.g., a few steps or quick gestures).
3. Materials (optional): A timer, a bowl or stack of prompt cards, sticky notes, and a whiteboard to display ground rules. No materials are required if prompts are verbal.
4. Prompt prep: Prepare two sets of workplace-safe prompts—Truth (light personal/professional reflections) and Dare (brief, harmless actions). Aim for 15–20 of each. Example Truths: “What’s a small work habit you’re proud of?”, “What’s a tool or shortcut you can’t live without?”, “Share a professional goal for this year.” Example Dares: “Share your worst dad joke,” “Do 10 silent air squats,” “Give a 30-second weather report in a fun accent,” “Swap seats with someone.”
5. Comfort options: Give each player one “Veto & Swap” per game (they can decline any prompt and draw another) and allow a full pass with no penalty.
6. Timebox: Plan for 15–20 minutes. Set 45–60 seconds per turn to keep energy high.

How to Play

1. The facilitator reviews ground rules and demonstrates a sample turn.
2. Choose a starting player at random. On their turn, they say “Truth” or “Dare.”
3. The facilitator (or the player to their left) draws a card or reads a prompt from the chosen category.
4. The player answers or performs within the time limit. Applause/snaps encouraged.
5. If the player uses “Veto & Swap,” they receive a new prompt from the same category. A full pass ends their turn immediately.
6. Move clockwise so everyone gets 1–2 turns within the time frame.
7. Optional close: One quick reflection round—each person shares a fun thing they learned or a highlight.

Rules

1. Keep it work-appropriate: No mean-spirited, embarrassing, risky, or suggestive content. PG-rated language and behavior only.
2. Consent first: Anyone may pass at any time. No pressure, no teasing.
3. Psychological and physical safety: No filming/photos unless everyone agrees. No dares involving food, lifting, touching others, or leaving the room/building.
4. Respect time: 45–60 seconds per prompt; facilitator may gently cut off to keep pace.
5. Include everyone: Avoid singling out individuals or sensitive topics (politics, religion, personal finances, medical history).
6. Accessibility: Adapt dares so all abilities can participate (e.g., seated versions, verbal alternatives).

Tips

• Model the tone: Facilitator should go first with a light, authentic example.
• Curate prompts to your team’s culture and energy level; remove anything that could land awkwardly.
• Keep the rhythm brisk—alternate between Truths and Dares to maintain variety.
• Celebrate participation, not performance; cheer small efforts.
• Prepare extra prompts so you can quickly swap if something feels off.
• Debrief with one positive takeaway to reinforce connection.

Variations

• Lightning Round: 30-second turns with only quick dares (e.g., pose, tongue-twister, micro-charade).
• Theme Packs: Focus on topics like “New Project Kickoff,” “Wellbeing,” or “Wins & Lessons.”
• Points for Play: 1 point for completing a prompt, bonus for creative flair; light prizes optional.
• Remote-Friendly: Use a shared doc or slides for prompts; participants choose via chat reactions. Replace movement dares with on-camera gestures or verbal fun (e.g., show-and-tell item on desk).