Finding it hard to spark lively conversation in your public speaking community? Guessing games are a surefire way to break the ice and get members talking. Use these playful templates to drive fun, interactive engagement without extra prep.
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Guessing games tap into our natural curiosity and love of play. When community members see a clue or partial fact, their brains instinctively want to fill in the blanks. This motivates them to participate, even if they are usually shy.
In public speaking communities, these prompts lower the barrier for joining in. They do not require deep expertise or research, so anyone can get involved. By offering achievable, light-hearted challenges, you create a sense of camaraderie and shared fun. This nurtures a more active, connected group where members feel comfortable contributing.
Plus, guessing games can spark follow-up discussions as members reveal their reasoning or share personal experiences. This makes them a powerful tool for ongoing engagement.
Guess which famous speaker once overcame a fear of public speaking. Hint: Their initials are MLK.
💡 Example: "Guess which famous speaker once overcame a fear of public speaking. Hint: Their initials are MLK."
I used this object in my last speech: microphone, flip chart, or prop? Guess which one!
💡 Example: "I used this object in my last speech: microphone, flip chart, or prop? Guess which one!"
Guess which word I never use in my opening: 'hello', 'welcome', or 'hi'?
💡 Example: "Guess which word I never use in my opening: 'hello', 'welcome', or 'hi'?"
Which public speaking tip is my favorite? Guess: rehearse, pause, or smile.
💡 Example: "Which public speaking tip is my favorite? Guess: rehearse, pause, or smile."
Name the country where TED Talks began. Any guesses?
💡 Example: "Name the country where TED Talks began. Any guesses?"
Guess the number of minutes the average TED Talk lasts.
💡 Example: "Guess the number of minutes the average TED Talk lasts."
I once spoke to an audience of over 500 people. True or false?
💡 Example: "I once spoke to an audience of over 500 people. True or false?"
Which is the odd one out: podium, stage, microphone, or textbook?
💡 Example: "Which is the odd one out: podium, stage, microphone, or textbook?"
Can you guess my favorite speaking genre: motivational, technical, or storytelling?
💡 Example: "Can you guess my favorite speaking genre: motivational, technical, or storytelling?"
Who said this: I have a dream. Guess the speaker!
💡 Example: "Who said this: I have a dream. Guess the speaker!"
Guess what my first speech topic was about. Hint: It involved pizza.
💡 Example: "Guess what my first speech topic was about. Hint: It involved pizza."
Which of these is NOT a type of speech: persuasive, informative, decorative?
💡 Example: "Which of these is NOT a type of speech: persuasive, informative, decorative?"
I once forgot my lines during a speech. True or false?
💡 Example: "I once forgot my lines during a speech. True or false?"
Guess which gesture is most powerful on stage: open arms, pointing, or hands in pockets?
💡 Example: "Guess which gesture is most powerful on stage: open arms, pointing, or hands in pockets?"
Which common fear is greater than death for many people? Take a guess!
💡 Example: "Which common fear is greater than death for many people? Take a guess!"
Can you guess which public speaking skill I struggled with most at first?
💡 Example: "Can you guess which public speaking skill I struggled with most at first?"
Guess how many times I practiced my last keynote speech.
💡 Example: "Guess how many times I practiced my last keynote speech."
Which do you think is more important: content or delivery? Guess my view!
💡 Example: "Which do you think is more important: content or delivery? Guess my view!"
Guess the city where the first Toastmasters club was founded.
💡 Example: "Guess the city where the first Toastmasters club was founded."
I once used a prop in a speech. Was it a hat, a book, or a ball? Guess!
💡 Example: "I once used a prop in a speech. Was it a hat, a book, or a ball? Guess!"
Guess which animal I once used as a metaphor in a speech.
💡 Example: "Guess which animal I once used as a metaphor in a speech."
Which speaking event do you think is my favorite: debate, storytelling, or improv? Guess!
💡 Example: "Which speaking event do you think is my favorite: debate, storytelling, or improv? Guess!"
True or false: The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia.
💡 Example: "True or false: The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia."
Guess how many people have viewed the most popular TED Talk.
💡 Example: "Guess how many people have viewed the most popular TED Talk."
Which phrase do I use to end my speeches: thank you, that's all, or applause cue?
💡 Example: "Which phrase do I use to end my speeches: thank you, that's all, or applause cue?"
Guess which public speaking book changed my approach the most.
💡 Example: "Guess which public speaking book changed my approach the most."
Can you guess how long my shortest speech was? Hint: Less than 3 minutes.
💡 Example: "Can you guess how long my shortest speech was? Hint: Less than 3 minutes."
Which technique helps most with nerves: deep breathing, music, or caffeine? Guess my pick!
💡 Example: "Which technique helps most with nerves: deep breathing, music, or caffeine? Guess my pick!"
Guess which famous speech included the phrase 'Four score and seven years ago.'
💡 Example: "Guess which famous speech included the phrase 'Four score and seven years ago.'"
True or false: I have spoken at an event outside my home country.
💡 Example: "True or false: I have spoken at an event outside my home country."
Which of these is NOT a public speaking myth: 'Only extroverts succeed', 'Practice helps', 'Mistakes are fatal'?
💡 Example: "Which of these is NOT a public speaking myth: 'Only extroverts succeed', 'Practice helps', 'Mistakes are fatal'?"
Guess how many slides I used in my last presentation.
💡 Example: "Guess how many slides I used in my last presentation."
I once gave a speech on a moving bus. True or false?
💡 Example: "I once gave a speech on a moving bus. True or false?"
Which classic movie features a famous courtroom speech? Guess the title!
💡 Example: "Which classic movie features a famous courtroom speech? Guess the title!"
Guess which word I use most in my speeches: inspire, connect, or learn.
💡 Example: "Guess which word I use most in my speeches: inspire, connect, or learn."
Which do you think is harder: speaking to kids or adults? Guess my answer!
💡 Example: "Which do you think is harder: speaking to kids or adults? Guess my answer!"
Guess what color I wore for my first public speech.
💡 Example: "Guess what color I wore for my first public speech."
True or false: The best speakers never use notes.
💡 Example: "True or false: The best speakers never use notes."
Guess which famous speaker inspired me most as a beginner.
💡 Example: "Guess which famous speaker inspired me most as a beginner."
Which do you think I prefer: large audiences or small groups? Take a guess!
💡 Example: "Which do you think I prefer: large audiences or small groups? Take a guess!"
Guess which speaking topic I find most challenging.
💡 Example: "Guess which speaking topic I find most challenging."
To use these templates, simply copy and paste your chosen prompt into your community platform. Tailor the clues to suit your audience, or add fun twists to keep things fresh. Pin a guessing game as a weekly feature, or sprinkle them in when you sense the group needs an energy boost. Encourage members to explain their guesses or share similar experiences for extra depth.
On all platforms, use tagging or emojis to draw attention to guessing game posts. Use polls if your platform supports them for multiple-choice games. Pin or highlight especially fun prompts to keep the energy high. Encourage replies by tagging members or using community-wide mentions.
You can design guessing games where members identify the speaker or speech based on a short excerpt, rhetorical device, or historical context. For example, post a powerful quote and ask members to guess if it’s from Martin Luther King Jr. or Winston Churchill. This not only encourages interaction but also reinforces key learning moments in public speaking history.
Techniques like vocal variety, storytelling, the use of body language, and different types of openings (e.g., anecdote, question, or statistic) are excellent candidates. You can post a description or video clip and have members guess which technique is being demonstrated, sparking discussion about effective public speaking methods.
Present members with examples of techniques such as anaphora, antithesis, or metaphor from real speeches. Ask them to guess which rhetorical device is used or which famous orator is known for using it. This helps deepen their understanding of these vital elements in speechwriting and delivery.
Absolutely. You can post hypothetical speaking scenarios (e.g., 'A speaker’s mind goes blank during a presentation') and offer multiple strategies. Ask members to guess which strategy aligns with best practices. This approach makes guessing games practical and directly relevant to challenges members face.
You might share excerpts from different parts of speeches and have members guess whether it’s an opening, supporting point, or conclusion. Alternatively, present outlines or jumbled segments for members to sequence correctly, stimulating discussion about effective speech organization.
Balance difficulty by mixing straightforward games (e.g., guessing famous speech quotes) with more advanced challenges (e.g., identifying subtle persuasive techniques or advanced storytelling methods). Clearly label the level of each game, and occasionally offer hints or explanations to ensure inclusivity and continuous learning.
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