One Word at a Time

Participants take turns saying one word to collaboratively build a sentence or short story—lightweight, fun, and great for listening and teamwork.

Opens your browser's print dialog so you can print or save as PDF.

Scenario: hybrid
Group Size: medium
Duration: standard
collaboration
listening
creative
no-props

Video Example

Introduction

One Word at a Time is a collaborative icebreaker where participants say one word each in turn to build a coherent (and often funny) sentence or short story. It energizes attention, creativity, and group rhythm.

Why This Works as an Icebreaker

  • Promotes instant collaboration and active listening
  • Breaks early-meeting awkwardness and warms up speech
  • No props or prep required—works almost anywhere
  • Creates a playful atmosphere through surprise combinations
  • Reveals thinking styles and builds team rapport quickly

When to Use This Game

Ideal Contexts

  • Team meetings
  • Brainstorm kickoffs
  • Training openers
  • Remote collaboration calls

Group Size

Min: 4 | Ideal: 6-12 | Max: 20

Requirements

Time Required

  • Per person: 30-60 sec per person
  • Total: 10-15 min
  • Prep time: 0-5 min

Setup

No special setup. Works at a round table or online; the facilitator prepares a topic or sentence starter.

How to Play

1.

Explain the rules

2 min

Each person says exactly one word in turn to build a complete sentence or short story—no pre-discussion.

  • TipEmphasize: not perfection, but continuity and creativity
2.

Set a theme or starter

2 min

Provide a starter like ‘Our project will…’ or ‘Once upon a time…’.

  • TipFor work sessions, pick a theme aligned with the project
3.

Go around the group

8-10 min

Participants speak one word each in sequence. The facilitator keeps the pace brisk.

  • TipOnline: pre-decide order or have the facilitator call names
4.

Share and reflect

3-5 min

Read the final sentence/story aloud; invite quick reactions on the most creative or surprising parts.

  • TipSummarize observed creativity and group rhythm

Outcomes & Benefits

Key Benefits

  • Strengthens listening and group rhythm
  • Creates a relaxed, humorous warm-up
  • Triggers creative thinking and verbal expression

Facilitator Insights

  • Notice interaction styles, pacing, communication tendencies, and who leads or harmonizes the group

Strategies & Tips

Theme the words
Choose a theme relevant to your meeting goals (e.g., ‘innovation’, ‘growth’) to focus content.
Randomized order
Use a randomizer to decide the next speaker to heighten attention and fun.
Sentence carryover
Start each new round with the previous sentence’s last few words to test continuity.

General Tips

  • Keep the pace tight and tone playful
  • Welcome whimsy; avoid judging word choices

Facilitation Tips

Moderation

  • Manage pace and rotation; prompt the next speaker in a light tone

Inclusion & Safety

  • Ensure everyone participates; avoid interrupting or mocking word choices

Virtual/Remote Adaptation

  • On Zoom/Teams, use a speaking order or facilitator prompts; ‘raise hand’ works well

Debrief & Reflection

Discussion Questions

  • What listening or collaboration challenges did you feel?
  • Which moment made the group feel most connected?
  • What communication takeaways apply to our daily work?

Wrap-Up Tips

  • A simple sentence needs everyone’s contribution—just like our teamwork