Ice Breaker Games Ice Breaker Games
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#40 Easy

Charades

Charades is a classic acting game where one player silently acts out a word or phrase while teammates guess. No speaking allowed—just gestures, expressions, and creativity.

acting guessing party classic team fun creative

Group Size:

4-20 people

Duration:

15-30 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

How to Play:

Charades - How to Play
  1. 1

    Divide players into two teams of equal size.

  2. 2

    Prepare slips of paper with words or phrases (movies, books, actions, famous people).

  3. 3

    One player draws a slip and has 60 seconds to act it out silently.

  4. 4

    Use classic signals: fingers up for word count, tap arm for syllables, cupped ear for 'sounds like.'

  5. 5

    Teammates shout guesses while the actor confirms with nods or gestures.

  6. 6

    Score one point for each correct guess. Teams alternate turns.

  7. 7

    Play until all slips are used or set a time limit. Highest score wins.

Charades turns silence into comedy. One person flaps their arms frantically—is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s “The Matrix” and they’re dodging bullets. The beauty is watching colleagues drop their professional masks. Your CEO miming “Jaws” by swimming in place? Unforgettable. A new hire nailing “Michael Jackson” with a single moonwalk? Instant legend. Unlike word games that favor the articulate, Charades rewards creativity and physical expression. Everyone has a fair shot, whether you’re an introvert or the office extrovert. Just remember: the funnier the fail, the better the memory.

Best For:

Charades works perfectly for party nights, team outings, family gatherings, and virtual game sessions on Zoom or Teams.

Pro Tips

  • Start with easy words to warm up shy players.

  • Ban inside jokes—everyone should have a fair chance.

  • For remote play, ensure good lighting and camera positioning.

  • Keep categories balanced: mix movies, actions, and objects.

  • Assign a neutral timekeeper to avoid disputes.

Variations

  • Reverse Charades: The whole team acts while one person guesses.

  • Speed Charades: 30-second rounds with rapid-fire words.

  • Themed Charades: Holiday movies only, or workplace scenarios.

  • Telephone Charades: Act in a line—each person copies the previous performance.

FAQ

What are the basic hand signals in Charades?
Hold up fingers for word count, tap your arm for syllable count, cup your ear for 'sounds like,' and make a rolling gesture to signal 'keep guessing.'
Can Charades be played remotely on video calls?
Yes. Charades works great on Zoom or Teams. Make sure actors stand back from the camera so full body gestures are visible.
How many players do you need for Charades?
Minimum 4 players (two per team). Sweet spot is 6-12 players. Over 20, consider running parallel games.
What words work best for Charades?
Choose action-oriented words that can be mimed: movie titles, animals, professions, sports. Avoid abstract concepts like 'democracy' or 'entropy.'
Is Charades appropriate for work events?
Absolutely. Charades is a safe, inclusive ice breaker game. Just keep word choices professional—skip anything that could cause awkwardness.

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