Imaginary Toss-A-Name Game

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Practice and recall participant names in a newly formed group.

Use it when: At the start of a meeting or workshop when group members do not yet know one another's names.

Skip it when: When all participants already know each other well, or when team members prefer written or low-energy name reviews.

Group arrangement: Single circle of all participants

Timing: UWT suggested 10-minute duration based on the 5 to 15 minute source band.

Materials and tools

• No special materials.

Before participants arrive

1. Clear enough floor space for the entire group to form an open circle where everyone has an unobstructed view of all other members.

Say this to open

We are going to learn each other's names with an imaginary toss game. First, we will go around the circle and state our names so everyone hears them. Then we will throw an invisible object across the circle. The rule is simple: make eye contact, say the person's name loudly and clearly, and then toss the imaginary item to them. I will start by giving my name.

How to run it

1. Establish names in circle 2 minutes

   Ask participants to state their preferred names aloud one by one clockwise around the circle. Once the round completes, reverse direction and go counter-clockwise so everyone hears each name a second time.

2. Toss single imaginary object 3 minutes

   Introduce an imaginary object, such as a heavy basketball. Make direct eye contact with someone across the circle, call their name clearly, and pantomime passing the object. The receiver catches it in character, chooses a new person, calls their name, and tosses it. Continue until everyone has received the object at least once.

3. Layer additional objects 3 minutes

   Introduce one or two different imaginary objects into the circle at the same time, such as a delicate feather or a hot potato. Participants must track multiple simultaneous passes, always calling the receiver's name before tossing.

4. Recall and debrief 2 minutes

   Call a halt to all passing. Ask for volunteers to look around the circle and name as many participants as they can recall. Invite two or three volunteers to try, allowing others to confirm their own names if someone gets stuck.

Debrief questions

• What strategies helped you remember names when the passing became fast?
• Which imaginary object made it easiest or hardest to maintain focus?

Finished output: Every participant has stated their name twice and had their name called aloud multiple times across the circle.

Remote

Run in gallery view on video. The facilitator establishes a baseline speaking order for the initial name share. When tossing the imaginary object, the sender looks directly at their camera, states the receiver's name clearly, and mimes tossing the object toward the edge of their screen. The named person mimes catching it from the edge of their screen, says their own name to confirm, and picks the next target. Multi-object tossing can run using two distinct hand gestures.

Hybrid

UWT hybrid adaptation: Put the full roster into one video circle using the Remote procedure, regardless of physical location. Everyone needs an individual device with a view of the meeting; room participants use headsets, sit apart and mute except when speaking. A lone remote participant remains part of this same circle. Establish and display one speaking order for the first name rounds. During tossing, say the receiver's name aloud and mime toward the camera; never rely on pointing at a position in someone else's gallery. Keep the existing multi-object challenge, verbal-toss option and optional final recall. Check audio, video and the displayed roster before starting.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may sit or stand based on physical comfort.
• Participants with limited arm mobility can substitute a verbal toss indicator, such as saying 'Sending the ball to you, [Name]'.
• Anyone may pass on recalling names during the final step without explanation.

If the session gets stuck

A participant forgets someone's name before tossing.

Remind the group that asking is part of the exercise. Have the sender ask 'What was your name again?' and thank the recipient before completing the toss.

The same few participants keep throwing only to each other.

Pause briefly and add a temporary rule that each person must throw to someone who has not yet received an object in that round.