Six Word Memoirs
Describe yourself, your year, or your project in exactly six words - creative constraint sparks insight.
10-20 min
3-30 people
low
basic
About This Game
Six Word Memoirs is a creative writing exercise inspired by Hemingway's famous six-word story. Participants craft a six-word statement about themselves, their year, their goals, or a prompt. The constraint forces clarity and creativity, revealing surprising insights.
Objectives
- Practice creative self-expression
- Learn about teammates through their words
- Develop concise communication skills
- Create memorable introductions
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"We're writing Six Word Memoirs - inspired by Hemingway's famous story: 'For sale: baby shoes, never worn.' In exactly six words, you'll describe [yourself / your year / your hopes]. Let me show you mine: 'Curious mind seeks meaningful team connections.' Now you try!"
Actions:
- Share the Hemingway origin story
- Give the prompt clearly
- Show 2-3 examples
- Emphasize: EXACTLY six words
Tips:
- • Prompts: "My year so far", "My hopes", "My journey", "My superpower"
- • For virtual: use chat or shared doc
- • For in-person: use sticky notes or index cards
Facilitator Script:
"Take 5 minutes to craft your six words. Write a few drafts - the constraint makes you think hard! Remember: exactly six words, no more, no less."
Actions:
- Give quiet writing time
- Encourage drafting multiple versions
- Circulate to help anyone stuck
- Remind: can use punctuation, but 6 words
Tips:
- • Play soft background music
- • If stuck: start with 10-15 words, then cut
- • Encourage: be honest, creative, or playful
- • Examples: "Still learning, always growing, never finished", "Coffee, code, cats - my happy life"
Facilitator Script:
"Time to share! Read your six words, then if you want, tell us why you chose them. Who wants to go first?"
Actions:
- Go around - each person shares
- Optional: brief explanation (1 min)
- Ask curious questions
- Appreciate each share
Tips:
- • For large groups: small group shares then gallery walk
- • Display all six-word memoirs together
- • Take photo for team channel
- • Some will be funny, some profound - both great
Facilitator Tips
- The constraint is the magic - exactly 6 words
- Works async: collect in advance, share in meeting
- Great for: intros, reflections, year-end, goal-setting
- Variation: Six Word Project Updates for standup meetings
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
Collaborate to write six words that describe your whole team
Illustrate your six words with drawings or images
teams have used this game