Two Truths and a Lie Icebreaker: 110 Examples, Questions, and Ideas

Two Truths and a Lie is a group icebreaker game that helps people get to know one another. Each participant shares three personal statements, two accurate and one invented, while the group tries to identify the false one. Below are 110 prompts for team bonding, classroom icebreakers, and workshop activities.

Looking for more activities? See our complete guide to Icebreaker Activities for Training Workshops. Alternatively, you can also check out our team building activities for trainers.

Introduction to Two Truths and a Lie

How It Works

Number of Players: There is no limit to the number of participants you can have for this activity, and in fact, the more the better, as this works well as an activity for large groups.

Instructions:

• Each participant, one at a time, will share three statements about themselves, and two of these statements must be true, while the other statements have to be a complete lie (i.e., something made up).
• The other participants then have the fun task of trying to guess which statement is the lie.
• After everyone has guessed, the player reveals which statement was the lie.
• The game continues with the next player until everyone has had a turn.

Objective: The goal is to create a lie that is convincing enough to be mistaken for the truth while making the truth sound like it could be a lie.

Purpose:

• Icebreaker: It’s a great activity for helping participants to get to know each other while having fun at the same time.
• Communication Skills: Encourages people to think critically and to come up with innovative and creative ideas.
• Observation: Players must pay attention to each other’s personalities and backgrounds to make informed guesses. This is especially interesting if you are teaching nonverbal communication skills.

Tips to Provide Participants for Coming Up with Statements:

• Be Creative: Ask the participants to try to come up with some unusual or surprising truths with a believable lie.
• Know Your Audience: As the teacher or trainer, suggest that the participants tailor their statements to what the other players might know or don’t know about them.
• Maintain a Poker Face: Ask participants also to think about their own facial expressions and body language, and how they communicate information during this activity.

110 Examples of Truths or Lies for “Two Truths and a Lie.”

Personal & Life Experiences (Everyday Fun & Relatable Moments)

(Great for casual icebreakers and getting to know someone personally!)

1. Childhood Mishaps – A real embarrassing moment, a funny one, and one made up.

2. Nicknames You’ve Had – Two real nicknames people have called you, and one completely fake.

3. Unusual Pets – Name two real pets you’ve owned and one made-up, like a pet iguana or ferret!

4. Funny Misunderstandings – Think of times when you’ve misheard or misunderstood something, and mention two of these and completely fabricate one ridiculous situation.

5. Strangest Dreams You’ve Had – Two actual dreams and one completely fictional (but make it strange enough to be plausible).

6. Most Embarrassing Moments – Two real embarrassing things that happened, plus one that sounds believable but isn’t.

7. Funny Lies You Believed as a Kid – Like thinking teachers live at school, believing chocolate milk comes from cows, or another made-up one.

8. Things You’ve Eaten That You Regret – Two really horrible foods you’ve tried and one that sounds just as weird but isn’t true.

9. The Strangest Way You’ve Been Woken Up – Think of two odd ways you were actually woken up and one completely made-up (i.e., “A fly landed on my face!”).

10. Random Free Things You’ve Received – Two real free things you received and one fake but seemingly possible item.

11. Most Unbelievable Coincidence You’ve Experienced – Two real “that was so weird!” moments and one made-up.

12. Weirdest Fortune Cookie Predictions You’ve Gotten – Two that were oddly accurate or funny and one that’s fake.

13. Things You Thought You Knew But Were Totally Wrong About – Two real misconceptions and one that sounds ridiculous but isn’t real.

14. Funniest Reason You’ve Had to Apologize – Two times you apologized for something hilarious and one totally fake.

15. The Funniest Way You’ve Gotten Lost – Two times you really got lost and one absurd, made-up way.

Travel & Adventure (For People Who Love to Explore & Try New Things)

(Perfect for travel lovers or when you want fun stories!)

16. Places You’ve Traveled – Name two places you’ve actually visited and one destination you haven’t.

17. Wild Injuries – Two actual minor injuries with crazy stories and one exaggerated or fake one.

18. Craziest Adventures – Think of things like skydiving, riding an elephant, or sneaking into a famous event—two real, one fake.

19. Weirdest Places You’ve Slept – From an airport to a boat to “in the back of a police car” (real or fake?).

20. Strangest Cultural Traditions You’ve Participated In – Two actual ones, one that sounds real but isn’t.

21. Most Dangerous Thing You’ve Done – Two actual risky situations and one completely exaggerated or fake.

22. Best Last-Minute Costumes You’ve Worn – Two real creative ones and one fake but hilarious idea.

23. Times You’ve Been Mistaken for an Employee Somewhere – Think of two real awkward moments and one fake one.

24. Unusual Jobs You’ve Been Offered – Two real weird jobs you considered and one fake but plausible job offer.

25. Oddest Place You’ve Had a Nap – Two real, unexpected locations and one ridiculous one.

26. How Many Countries/States You’ve Been To – Two actual numbers and one completely fake one.

27. Oddest Things You’ve Googled – Two really strange searches and one fictional, funny one.

28. The Strangest Pet Names You’ve Heard – Two real ones and one made-up but ridiculous one.

Skills & Hobbies (For Showing Off Talents—Real or Fake!)

(Great for groups where people want to showcase their quirks & abilities!)

29. Secret Talents – Two real, one that sounds impressive but isn’t true.

30. Strange Collections – Two actual things you collect and one totally fake.

31. Random Hobbies – Two real, unique hobbies and one bizarre fake one.

32. I Can Juggle… Can I? – Two real quirky skills and one fake one.

33. I Can Solve a Rubik’s Cube in 60 Seconds – Two amazing but true skills, and one exaggeration.

34. The Weirdest Musical Instrument I’ve Played – Two real, one completely made-up.

35. Strangest Things I’ve Tried to Teach Myself – Two real things, one fake one that sounds plausible.

36. I Can Speak 3 Languages… Or More? – Two real languages, one totally fake.

37. I Once Built Something Totally Unbelievable – Two really weird projects, one completely fictional.

38. Hidden DIY Projects I’ve Attempted – Two real, one fake.

39. I Can Make an Animal Noise… But Which One? – Two real, one absurdly fake.

40. Things I’ve Done by Accident That Turned Out Great – Two real, one fake happy accident.

4. Celebrities, Pop Culture, & Fame Related Ideas

(If you feel this section suits your audience, then these fame-related ideas can be a great option for a two truths and a lie workshop session)

(Perfect for groups who love movies, music, and celebrity culture!)

41. Celebrity Encounters – Two real meetings with famous people, one fake.

42. Times I’ve Been in the News – Two real times you appeared in a newspaper or TV, one false.

43. I’ve Been an Extra in a Movie – Two real movie-related facts, one fake.

44. Weirdest Autograph I’ve Ever Gotten – Two real celebrity signatures, one fake.

45. I Once Had a Viral Social Media Post – Two real times your post blew up, one exaggerated.

46. I’ve won a Contest on TV or Radio – Two real wins, one fake.

47. Famous People I’ve Been Mistaken For – Two real mix-ups, one false.

48. Times I’ve Had a Conversation with a Celebrity – Two real, one made up.

49. I’ve appeared in a Commercial – Two true filming experiences, one fake.

50. I’ve performed on Stage in Front of Thousands – Two true performances, one exaggerated.

Funny or Unbelievable Situations

51. Strangest Place You’ve Gotten Lost – Two real instances and one ridiculous one.

52. Times I’ve Been Locked Out of Somewhere – Two real situations, one exaggerated.

53. Weirdest Thing Someone Has Asked Me for Directions To – Two true ones, one fake.

54. Funniest Text I’ve Sent to the Wrong Person – Two real, one completely made up.

55. Most Awkward Conversation I’ve Ever Had – Two true awkward moments, one exaggerated.

56. Strangest Thing I’ve Witnessed in Public – Two real, one wild fake.

57. Weirdest Excuse I’ve Given to Get Out of Something – Two actual ones, one fabricated.

58. Funniest Thing I’ve Overheard in Public – Two real funny moments, one fake.

59. The Strangest Object I’ve Ever Found – Two actual discoveries, one made up.

60. Times I’ve Ended Up in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time – Two real times, one fake.

Crazy Achievements and Challenges

61. The Most Unusual Way I’ve Made Money – Two real, one exaggerated.

62. Weirdest Bet I’ve Ever Won – Two true, one fictional.

63. Strangest Food I’ve Tried and Liked – Two real, one fake.

64. I’ve Won a Contest That Sounds Ridiculous – Two real contests, one false.

65. Most Bizarre Item I’ve Purchased Online – Two true, one exaggerated.

66. Weirdest Challenge I’ve Successfully Completed – Two real, one made up.

67. Oddest Prank I’ve Pulled on Someone – Two actual pranks, one completely fabricated.

68. Strangest Job I’ve Ever Had – Two true, one fake.

69. Most Absurd Thing I’ve Done on a Dare – Two real, one outrageous lie.

70. The Most Unexpected Award I’ve Ever Received – Two real, one totally made up.

Strange Encounters & Unusual Experiences

71. Weirdest Animal I’ve Encountered in the Wild – Two true, one fake.

72. Times I’ve Been Mistaken for Someone Else – Two real mix-ups, one false.

73. Strangest Thing I’ve Witnessed at an Airport – Two true stories, one exaggerated.

74. Oddest Thing That Has Happened to Me at a Restaurant – Two real incidents, one fake.

75. Weirdest Gift I’ve Ever Received – Two true, one made up.

76. Strangest Thing I’ve Seen on Public Transportation – Two real experiences, one fake.

77. Craziest Coincidence I’ve Experienced – Two real, one exaggerated.

78. Oddest Advice I’ve Ever Been Given – Two actual, one fabricated.

79. Most Random Place I’ve Run Into an Old Friend – Two true, one fake.

80. Times I’ve Accidentally Ended Up in a VIP Area – Two true, one false.

Embarrassing & Funny Mishaps

(If you are teaching students, then this section of two truths and a lie can be especially fun)

81. Weirdest Thing I’ve Spilled on Myself – Two true, one exaggerated.

82. Times I’ve Tripped or Fallen in Public – Two actual, one fabricated.

83. Most Awkward Autocorrect Mistake I’ve Made – Two real, one fake.

84. Worst Timing I’ve Ever Had in a Situation – Two true, one exaggerated.

85. Funniest Way I’ve Been Caught Off Guard – Two real moments, one fake.

86. Silliest Thing I’ve Believed as a Kid – Two true misconceptions, one fake.

87. The Most Ridiculous Fashion Trend I’ve Tried – Two true, one false.

88. Strangest Compliment I’ve Ever Received – Two real, one fabricated.

89. Times I’ve Been Caught Talking to Myself – Two actual, one exaggerated.

90. Most Embarrassing Thing I’ve Done in Front of a Crush – Two true, one made up.

Absurd Lies & Tall Tales

91. The Most Outrageous Lie I Got Away With – Two true, one completely fabricated.

92. Funniest Fake Story I’ve Told That Someone Believed – Two true, one fake.

93. The Strangest Thing I’ve Convinced Someone Was Real – Two real, one exaggerated.

94. The Most Ridiculous Secret I’ve Pretended to Have – Two real, one false.

95. Weirdest Myth I Used to Believe – Two true, one completely ridiculous.

96. Times I’ve Pretended to Be Someone Else for Fun – Two real, one fabricated.

97. Most Random Fact I Know That Sounds Fake – Two real, one false.

98. Oddest Conspiracy Theory I’ve Entertained – Two real, one completely fake.

99. Funniest Lie I’ve Told That Backfired – Two real, one exaggerated.

100. Times I’ve Bluffed My Way Through Something Successfully – Two real, one false.

Miscellaneous & Wild Card Ideas

(These are some more general two truths and a lie ideas that also work well)

101. Strangest World Record I Think I Could Break – Two true, one exaggerated.

102. Most Random Place I’ve Been Recognized by Someone – Two true, one fake.

103. Weirdest Situation I’ve Been Stuck In – Two real, one exaggerated.

104. Oddest Way I’ve Been Helped by a Stranger – Two real, one fake.

105. Most Unexpected Thing I’ve Found in My Pocket – Two true, one fabricated.

106. Craziest Weather Event I’ve Experienced – Two real, one false.

107. Most Bizarre Local Custom I’ve Witnessed – Two true, one exaggerated.

108. The Weirdest Way I’ve Learned a New Skill – Two real, one fabricated.

109. Funniest Thing That Has Happened to Me in a Dream – Two real, one fake.

110. Most Unbelievable Thing I’ve Seen That Was Real – Two true, one exaggerated.

Benefits of Using the Two Truths and a Lie Icebreaker

There are a number of reasons why this is such a popular activity, and these can be seen in the benefits of running this activity, and they are as follows:

• Encourages interaction – Helps break awkward silence in groups.
• Reveals fun facts – Discover unexpected things about people.
• Improves communication skills – Helps players craft creative lies.
• Can be adapted to any audience – It works in schools, workplaces, parties, and virtual settings.
• Boosts creativity & critical thinking – Players must think strategically about their statements.

Further Guidance

1. Strategies for Choosing Two Truths and a Lie Ice Breaker Questions

Balance Realism: Choose truths that are somewhat believable but not too obvious.

For example, saying you can speak five languages might be believable, but claiming you’ve met the President is more likely to be scrutinized.

Vary Your Statements: Mix mundane facts with extraordinary ones. For instance, combine a statement about an ordinary activity (i.e., “I have never eaten sushi”) with something more outlandish (i.e., “I’ve gone skydiving”).

Consider Your Audience: Think about what the other players already know about you and use this to your advantage. If they know you’re afraid of heights, claiming that you’ve gone skydiving might be an effective lie.

“Two Truths and a Lie” is a versatile game that can be used in various settings to help people connect and learn about each other in a lighthearted and engaging way.

The right mix of truths and lies can spark interesting conversations and reveal surprising facts about the participants.

2. Variations of this Activity

• Speed Round: Each person gets only 10 seconds to guess.
• Team Play: Break into teams, and each team writes down their guesses.
• Story Mode: Players must elaborate on their truths and lies before revealing them.

3. Tips for Convincing Lies

• Mix in partially true elements to make them believable.
• Use specific details (e.g., “I once ate a scorpion in Thailand” instead of “I ate something weird”).
• Make the lie seem ordinary so it blends in with the truth.
• Avoid body language giveaways—stay calm and confident!

4. Tips for Great Truths

• Choose unbelievable but true stories (e.g., “I’ve been on live TV”).
• Pick random but interesting facts (e.g., “I can snap my fingers 100 times in a minute”).
• Use past experiences (e.g., “I once got lost in Disneyland for 3 hours”).

5. Things people often do that ruin the game

• Making the lie too obvious – If the lie is “I can fly,” everyone will guess it immediately.
• Choosing boring truths – If the truths are dull, the game isn’t fun!
• Smiling or laughing when saying the lie – It’s a dead giveaway.
• Giving a lie that’s too extreme – The best lies are believable but surprising!

Example: “A classic mistake is making the lie too obvious—like saying, ‘I have three arms.’ Try making it more subtle, like, ‘I once shook hands with a president.’”

6. Examples of Two Truths and a Lie by Difficulty Level

List some easy, medium, and hard examples to show different challenge levels.

Easy Level (Beginner)

1. I hate pizza.
2. I have never broken a bone.
3. I was born in December.

(Lie: I hate pizza.)

Medium Level (Tricky)

1. I’ve been skydiving before.
2. I have an identical twin.
3. I once rode a camel.

(Lie: I have an identical twin.)

Hard Level (Very Tricky!)

1. I once had lunch with a billionaire.
2. I can hold my breath for over 3 minutes.
3. I’ve been in a movie as an extra.