Guess the word is a game that is suitable for everyone to play. This game is played by demonstrating a word or phrase written on a piece of paper. The object of the game is to make your team guess the correct answer using only gestures. When a participant demonstrates a word or phrase, he must not speak! This laughable game requires a little preparation and a lot of imagination.
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Method 1 of 3: Setting Up the Game
Step 1. Create several teams with an even number of participants
Technically, not all teams have to have an even number of participants, but the team with more participants may have a better chance of guessing the correct answer. After creating a team, each team must assemble in a different room, or on opposite sides of the room.
- Alternatively, this game can be played less competitively. One participant can act out a word or phrase, and another participant guesses it. The participant who guesses the answer first must act out the next word.
- If not played with a team, participants can act out words or phrases of their own choice. This method can make the game easier because you don't have to use paper.
Step 2. Write the word or phrase on paper
After each team is in a different room (or on opposite sides of the room), write a common word or phrase on paper. Don't tell the opposing team! These words will be given to the opposing team to be drawn and guessed when it is their turn.
- There are six general categories used for charades: book titles, movies, TV shows, song titles, drama titles, and fairly well-known quotes or phrases.
- Generally, phrases that are too long or unfamiliar are not allowed. When in doubt, ask each team member. If half of the team members recognize it then the phrase may be used.
- Avoid writing someone's name. If the participant does not know the person and the context, he or she may find it difficult to model it.
Step 3. Fold the paper in half and put it in the container
The game is almost ready to start. Fold each piece of paper in half so that the word or phrase is not visible. Put these papers in a container and then invite all the teams to gather in the room where the game will be held. Swap the containers, but don't look inside the papers!
Baskets or hats are usually used as containers to put paper. If you don't have one, you can use an empty drawer or pillowcase
Step 4. Do a coin toss to determine the first team and determine the game time limit
Toss a coin to determine which team will advance first. Each round is usually timed, but you can adjust it to suit the age and ability of the participants. Generally, two minutes is a fairly appropriate time limit.
- If participants don't mind if each round is long enough, you don't have to use the time limit. Each team must guess the correct answer until they give up.
- Determine the appropriate punishment for the participant who speaks while demonstrating the word or phrase. For example, points earned are cut in half or awarded to the opposing team.
Method 2 of 3: Playing the Game
Step 1. Ask participants to take the paper from the container
The team that wins the coin toss is the first. The team must choose one of its members to take a piece of paper from the container. Each team member must act out the word or phrase at least once before the second turn.
If it's difficult to determine who goes first, do a suit tournament to determine it
Step 2. Provide some general information to help your team narrow down its guesses
Information such as category and word count can help your teammates concentrate their guesses. You can try different gestures, but these are usually the ones used:
- First, raise a number of fingers to indicate the number of words.
- Then, raising a number of fingers indicates the word to be demonstrated.
- Placing a number of fingers on the arm indicates the number of syllables of the word.
- Swinging your hand in the air indicates “all concepts” of the word or phrase.
Step 3. Continue to act out the word or phrase until your team guesses it or time runs out
Some gestures may not work, but don't be afraid to change them. The more clues given, the easier it will be for your team to guess.
- If the correct answer is guessed, the round ends and your team gets a point. Then the opposing team does the same.
- If you fail to guess the correct answer and the game time is up, your team must pass the round and fail to earn any points.
Step 4. Keep playing until the paper runs out or the winner is clear
If everyone loves the game, you don't have to stop when the paper runs out! Rewrite the new word or phrase on the paper. Usually, there are very skilled participants in a team, so the team becomes unbalanced. Change the composition of the participants for each team to make the game more balanced.
Method 3 of 3: Mastering Common Gestures
Step 1. Discuss some common gestures with all participants
Common gestures allow participants to skip some concepts that must be demonstrated, such as categories, to get straight to the point. However, it would be unfair if there were some participants who were not aware of this common gesture. Therefore, discuss this with all participants before starting the game.
Step 2. Express categories with standard gestures
Since each word or phrase will fall into one of the categories, it is helpful to have standard gestures to explain this. Therefore, you don't have to spend time thinking about unique gestures when demonstrating categories. Instead, focus your gestures on acting out words or phrases written on paper.
- Indicate the title of the book by opening your arms like you are reading a book.
- Make gestures using the camera to indicate the film.
- Draw a square or rectangle in front of you to indicate a TV show.
- Pretend to sing (silently) to indicate the title of the song.
- Pull the strings of the theater curtains to signify drama.
- Display quotation marks with your finger in the air to indicate a well-known phrase or saying.
Step 3. Encourage guesswork to stay on the right track
When your teammates are close to guessing the correct answer, put on an excited face. Use the distance between your fingers and palms to show how far your teammates are close to guessing the correct answer. To indicate that a teammate is on the wrong path, point to them and shake your head or make an X with both arms.
- If a teammate is on the right path and almost guessed the answer, use the "here" signal or nod your head.
- Keeping hands apart usually means “plus,” however, it can also indicate that the word is “bigger,” for example, has a prefix and a suffix.
Step 4. Guide teammates to the correct tenses
Sometimes, your teammates almost guess the correct answer, but the word or phrase is incorrect. When your teammate is close to guessing it, point to them then:
- Connect the two pinkies to indicate the plural form of the word or phrase.
- Wave your hand backwards to indicate the past tense.
Step 5. Take advantage of similar sounding words
By covering one ear, you are giving a hint that what is being demonstrated is something that sounds similar to the word written on paper. After performing the gesture, point to your hair. Your teammates will probably guess “rambutan.”
Step 6. Improve your playing skills by practicing and picking up speed
The faster you act out a word or phrase, the faster your teammates will guess it. Practice by often playing guessing words so that your gestures are more natural and faster.
