We've quietly retired two-truths-and-a-lie from our retreats. The mechanic of asking colleagues to lie to each other on day one isn't the tone we want to set. Two truths and a wish keeps the mystery and the laughter, but the prompt is generative instead of adversarial.
How to run it
- 1
Each person prepares two true statements about themselves and one wish — something they'd love to do or learn but haven't yet.
- 2
Going around the room, they share all three in any order without flagging which is which.
- 3
The group votes on which one is the wish.
- 4
After the reveal, ask one follow-up question to whoever shared. Move on within 90 seconds per person.
Facilitator tips
- Cap the room at 12 for the full version — beyond that, run it in parallel sub-groups of 6.
- Modelling matters. The first person sets the depth ceiling, so go first yourself with something a little vulnerable.
Where this fits
Pair this with the right venue setting and a matching retreat format. If you want a fully facilitated version, our team can run it for you.