Team icebreakers with charades (actually low cringe)

The best icebreakers create shared laughter without putting anyone on the spot socially. Charades is physical, silly, and easy to opt into as a team.

Keep stakes low

Don’t tie icebreakers to performance reviews or “share something personal.” Keep it playful: guess silly prompts, celebrate bad acting, move on.

Use teams so shy folks can participate

Guessers can shout ideas without being the center of attention. Rotate who acts so nobody feels singled out for long.

Start with easy prompts

First round should be approachable: everyday objects, well-known movies, obvious animals. Save the clever stuff for after the room loosens up.

10 workplace-safe charades starters

Office-flavored without singling anyone out - keep energy playful, not pointed.

Coffee machine refill
Stuck elevator small talk
Printer paper jam
Zoom camera on
First day badge
Team lunch order
Whiteboard brainstorm
Office plant watering
IT help desk call
Sticky note wall

These ideas are starters. Download Showem free for more words, teams and timers, and same-phone play on one device - from the App Store or Google Play.

Get Showem

Choose categories and round rules, run teams and timers, and keep scores on one phone - built for in-room charades on iOS and Android.

Fully customizable game rules

Add your friends in seconds

Automatic team shuffling

Ready, set, Showem!

Showem gameplay screen with a charades prompt, timer, and score colors

See how Showem works

Screens from the latest app - from setup to the word on the card.