Finding Nemo

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Re-energize a room and prompt observation through low-stakes physical mingling and nonverbal awareness.

Use it when: Use as a quick icebreaker or physical energizer after long periods of seated work.

Skip it when: Skip when space is too cramped for safe walking, or when participants need a quiet, reflective setting.

Group arrangement: Whole group mingling, transitioning into a single-file line.

Timing: UWT suggested duration based on source time band of 5 to 15 minutes.

Materials and tools

• One secret assignment token, such as an index card marked Nemo, or a direct whisper from the facilitator

Before participants arrive

1. Clear furniture to create an open, hazard-free walking space across the room.

Say this to open

We are going to play a quick mingling game called Finding Nemo. One person in this room is secretly Nemo. Everyone will walk around, greet each person with a handshake or a wave, and ask one question: Are you Nemo? Everyone must answer 'No' at first, including Nemo. After greeting five people, Nemo will switch and start answering 'Yes.' If you get a 'Yes', step quietly behind Nemo in a single-file line. If you see the line forming, you may also join onto the back. Try not to be the last person left standing on their own.

How to run it

1. Explain rules and assign Nemo 2 minutes

   Explain the interaction rule: ask 'Are you Nemo?' and answer 'No' until the condition triggers. Have everyone close their eyes or tap shoulders while mingling to secretly assign one person as Nemo. Instruct Nemo silently to greet five people with 'No' before switching to 'Yes'.

2. Mingle and greet 3 minutes

   Invite everyone to walk around the room, greeting different people with a wave, nod, or gentle handshake, asking only 'Are you Nemo?' Ensure participants keep moving and do not cluster in static pairs.

3. Form the line 3 minutes

   Nemo reaches their fifth greeting and begins answering 'Yes.' As people hear 'Yes' or notice the emerging line, they silently fall into line behind Nemo. The round ends when the final participant joins the tail of the line.

4. Debrief the pattern 2 minutes

   Keep everyone standing or invite them to sit. Ask two brief questions to whole room. Hear responses from two or three volunteers.

Debrief questions

• What clue first tipped you off that Nemo had been found?
• How did the group dynamic change once people noticed the line forming?

Finished output: A fully assembled single-file line containing every participant, ending the round.

Remote

This physical mingling game relies on room movement and peripheral sightlines. For an online video call, run 'Secret Signal' instead: assign one person via private chat to be Nemo. Everyone takes turns asking in chat or aloud 'Are you Nemo?' Nemo types 'No' to the first five, then switches to 'Yes.' When someone receives a 'Yes' or notices it in chat, they turn off their video camera. The goal is to notice the pattern and turn off your camera before being the last visible box.

Hybrid

Run the remote variation for everyone using their devices, or pair in-person participants to act as proxies for remote participants. Do not attempt simultaneous physical mingling with video feeds.

Access and participation choices

• Physical contact is completely optional; participants may use a nod, wave, or fist bump instead of a handshake.
• Anyone with limited mobility can stand or sit at a fixed station where other minglers approach them.
• Participants may opt out of movement entirely and serve as the official observer or line spotter.

If the session gets stuck

Nemo forgets their count and answers 'Yes' too early or never.

Remind the group publicly after two minutes: 'Nemo should be close to greeting five people now and ready to switch.'

Participants grab or pull each other into the line.

Clarify that joining the line is hands-free; participants simply walk directly behind the last person without holding onto clothing or shoulders.

Terms used here

• Conga-line: A single-file line where each person walks immediately behind another without requiring physical contact.