36 idea starters Updated

Two Truths and a Lie Ideas for Work

Use these Two Truths and a Lie ideas when the blank page is harder than the guessing. Pick a category, write three short statements, then let the team vote before the reveal.

01

Travel and place ideas

Use places, journeys, and small travel mishaps without revealing private information.

  1. 1I have visited three countries in one week.
  2. 2I once missed a train because I was on the wrong platform.
  3. 3I have never travelled by plane.
  4. 4I have slept overnight in an airport.
  5. 5I have visited a city mainly because of a book or film.
  6. 6I once took a boat to get to work or school.
  7. 7I have crossed a national border on foot.
  8. 8I have lived in more than three cities.
  9. 9I once ordered food without understanding any word on the menu.
  10. 10I have been to a place with fewer than one hundred residents.
  11. 11I have taken the same vacation twice.
  12. 12I have navigated a trip using a paper map only.

02

Skills, hobbies, and food ideas

Good choices for coworkers because the reveal naturally starts another conversation.

  1. 1I can play a song on a musical instrument.
  2. 2I have won a competition for a hobby.
  3. 3I can solve a Rubik’s Cube.
  4. 4I have made bread from scratch.
  5. 5I dislike a food that almost everyone seems to love.
  6. 6I have kept the same hobby for more than ten years.
  7. 7I can say a useful sentence in four languages.
  8. 8I have performed on a stage.
  9. 9I have built a piece of furniture.
  10. 10I know how to juggle.
  11. 11I have eaten the same breakfast for a full month.
  12. 12I learned one of my favorite skills from an online video.

03

Work and technology ideas

Light professional facts for a team that prefers not to discuss personal life.

  1. 1My first job had nothing to do with my current career.
  2. 2I have worked a shift that started before 5 a.m.
  3. 3I once fixed a problem by turning something off and on.
  4. 4I have sent a message to the wrong work chat.
  5. 5I have used a fax machine for work.
  6. 6I learned a programming or spreadsheet skill before I learned to drive.
  7. 7I have worked from a location with no desk.
  8. 8I have met a coworker in person only after working together for a year.
  9. 9I have changed careers more than once.
  10. 10I once gave a presentation with no slides.
  11. 11I have kept a keyboard or mouse for more than eight years.
  12. 12I have accidentally joined a call on the wrong day.

How to write believable statements

Choose one category so the lie does not stand out. Three travel statements are harder to separate than one travel fact, one childhood story, and one impossible achievement. Match the sentence length and level of detail as well.

A small lie is usually better than a dramatic one. Change a place, number, food, or timing detail in a true story. That gives you enough context to answer follow-up questions without inventing an elaborate performance.

  • Write all three statements in the same tense.
  • Avoid words such as “never” unless the other statements are equally strong.
  • Do not use facts teammates already know.
  • Keep the reveal explanation under one minute.
  • Choose topics that are safe to discuss at work.

How to run Two Truths and a Lie with a team

Give everyone two or three quiet minutes to write. One person reads all three statements without revealing the answer. The group votes, the speaker reveals the lie, and anyone can ask one short follow-up question.

For remote teams, collect votes with chat reactions, a poll, or anonymous voting. Use breakout groups when more than eight people are playing so everyone gets a turn.

  • Plan three to five minutes per person.
  • Let people choose a different game or pass.
  • Do not reward the most personal or shocking story.
  • Use small groups for larger meetings.

Frequently asked questions

What are good Two Truths and a Lie ideas?

Travel, hobbies, food, skills, first jobs, and harmless technology mistakes work well. Choose three statements from the same category so the lie is not immediately obvious.

How do you make the lie believable?

Start from something almost true and change one detail, such as the place, number, or timing. Keep it similar in length and specificity to your two true statements.

Is Two Truths and a Lie appropriate for work?

Yes, when participation is optional and the prompts stay work-safe. Avoid health, relationships, finances, identity, illegal activity, and stories that could embarrass someone.

How long does Two Truths and a Lie take?

Allow three to five minutes per person. For teams larger than eight, use breakout groups or select a few volunteers to keep the activity short.

Related team resources

Prefer a game with no preparation?

Create a live ice breaker room, share the link, and let HeyRetro handle the rounds, votes, and reveal.