Movie Name Tags

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Introduce participants and start conversation through shared film preferences.

Use it when: Use at the start of an informal workshop or team event to help people speak early in small groups.

Skip it when: Skip when participants rarely watch popular films, or when the agenda has fewer than twenty minutes for an opening activity.

Group arrangement: Small groups of 4 to 6 people seated by genre preference; groups of 3 permitted when odd counts occur

Timing: Relationship Makers Handbook notes 5 to 15 minutes. Extended by UWT to 20 minutes to allow groups of up to 6 adequate sharing time.

Materials and tools

• Self-adhesive name tags or blank cardstock table tents (one per person)
• Broad markers or pens (one per person)
• Printed genre signs for tables (Action, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Animation, Horror)

Before participants arrive

1. Place genre signs on separate tables around the room.
2. Set blank name tags and markers at each table.

Say this to open

Welcome everyone. Today we are creating movie character name tags. Look at the genre signs on each table, pick one you enjoy, and take a seat. Groups should have 4 to 6 people. Once seated, you will share a favorite film and assign each other character names.

How to run it

1. Select genre table 3 minutes

   Say the opening script. Direct participants to choose a genre table. Aim for 4 to 6 people per table. If a table exceeds 6, split it into two tables of that genre or invite volunteers to pick a second choice. If a genre has only 1 or 2 people, combine them with other individuals to form a group of 3, or invite them to merge into an existing small table.

2. Share favorites and characters 8 minutes

   Each person takes about 1 minute to state their favorite movie, why they like it, and a character from it that they relate to or enjoy. Other members listen and note standout traits or themes.

3. Assign character names 6 minutes

   Groups assign a character name to each member. Teams may select names from one shared favorite film or draw from each member's individual choice. Every person must agree to their assigned character. If someone prefers to pick their own character or write only their real name, accept that choice immediately without asking for an explanation. Participants write the chosen name on their tag and put it on.

4. Group debrief 3 minutes

   Call attention back to the full room. Ask two tables to share one memorable character match. Ask one general debrief question to the room and take two quick volunteer responses before moving to the next agenda item.

Debrief questions

• What character assignment at your table felt most accurate, and why?
• What common themes or surprises came up across your group's favorite films?

Finished output: Every participant wears a completed name tag showing their real name and, if chosen, an agreed movie character alter ego.

Remote

Display a slide showing the genre options. Create breakout rooms named after the genres. Send participants to self-select rooms of 3 to 6 for 14 minutes to share films and pick characters. Participants then edit their display name on the platform to include their character (for example, 'Morgan as Doc Brown'). Regroup in the main room for a 3-minute wrap-up.

Hybrid

For remote attendees, create virtual breakout rooms named after the genres. Participants choose their preferred virtual genre room in groups of 3 to 6, merging small counts as needed. If only 1 or 2 remote participants attend overall, place each with an in-person table using a dedicated laptop with external speaker and microphone. Position the laptop so the remote participant can see and hear the table. Designate one in-person member to ensure the remote attendee takes their turn and joins the name selection. Remote participants update their screen name; in-person participants write physical tags.

Access and participation choices

• Participants who do not watch movies may choose characters from books, television shows, or folklore.
• Any participant may select their own character name directly or opt to write only their real name without explanation.

If the session gets stuck

Too few people choose a specific genre, leaving only 1 or 2 people at a table.

Invite those participants to join another genre table that has room, or merge two small genre groups into a combined group of 3 or more.

A participant is unhappy with the character proposed for them or prefers not to use an alter ego.

Remind everyone that the name recipient holds full veto power. Respect their choice to pick another character or write only their real name without requiring an explanation.

Terms used here

• Table tent: A folded triangular card placed on a table to show a category or name to people standing nearby.