---
title: "Name Tags for Success"
description: "Participants create high-visibility name tags using thick markers and short cords, then test their readability from across the room."
last_updated: "2026-09-07"
canonical: "https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/name-tags-for-success/"
---

# Name Tags for Success

Participants create high-visibility name tags using thick markers and short cords, then test their readability from across the room.

**Time:** 10 minutes. Evidence indicates 5 to 15 minutes; UWT suggests 10 minutes for crafting and testing tags.
**People:** 4 to 24. Individual badge writing, followed by standing pairs for readability checks.

## Choose this exercise

**Purpose:** Produce legible, high-chest name tags that people can read comfortably from ten feet away without awkward eye movements.
**Use it when:** At the start of an in-person workshop, orientation, or networking session where people do not yet know one another.
**Skip it when:** When a group already works closely together every day, or when the meeting is entirely remote.

## Materials and tools

- 1 blank adhesive badge or hanging lanyard card per person
- 1 lanyard cord with adjustable slip knot or clip per person (if using hanging badges)
- Chisel-tip permanent markers or paint pens (one per two people, dark ink only; fine-point pens removed)
- 1 example badge prepared in advance

## Before participants arrive

1. Place blank badges and thick chisel-tip markers at the entrance or tables.
2. Remove all fine-point ballpoint pens from the badge-making station.
3. Display one example badge showing a large first name filling the card width and a smaller last name.

## Say this to open

We are going to make name tags that everyone can read without squinting. Take a blank badge and one of the thick markers. Write your preferred first name so it spans the entire card, large enough to read from ten feet away. If you add your last name or pronoun, write it smaller along the bottom edge.

## How to run it

### 1. Write name cards (3 minutes)

Each person uses a thick marker to write their preferred first name across the full width of the card. Last name or pronouns may be added in smaller lettering below. Facilitator ensures only thick markers are used so text remains bold.

### 2. Adjust badge placement (2 minutes)

Participants attach their badge high on the chest, near collarbone level, or shorten lanyard cords by tying an overhand knot so the badge rests above chest level. The goal is keeping the tag within direct eye contact range.

### 3. Test visibility in pairs (3 minutes)

Participants stand in pairs, take five paces apart (roughly ten feet), and verify whether they can read the first name clearly without leaning forward. If a name is too light or small, the person returns to the table to thicken the strokes.

### 4. Brief room check (2 minutes)

Facilitator scans the room from the front and asks two volunteers to demonstrate readability from across the floor. Adjust any remaining low-hanging cords.


## Debrief questions

- How did raising the badge height change your line of sight when facing someone?
- What difference does high visibility make during quick group introductions?

**Finished output:** Every participant wears a bold, legible name badge placed at upper chest level.

## Remote

This physical badge-crafting mechanic does not transfer directly online. For remote sessions, have participants rename their digital profile display to show their preferred first name in capital letters followed by pronouns or location (for example: ALEX (they/them) - Chicago).

## Hybrid

In-person participants wear high-visibility badges as described. Remote participants set their onscreen display names to match the bold formatting standard so room cameras capture names clearly on shared screens.

## Access and participation choices

- Provide clip options as well as pin and lanyard options for people with sensitive clothing or pacemakers.
- Participants may choose to write only a nickname or first initial if they prefer not to display full names.

## If the session gets stuck

**Someone uses a thin pen and their name cannot be read from across the table.**

Hand them a fresh blank badge and a chisel-tip marker, pointing out the room example card.

**A hanging lanyard rests too low on the torso.**

Demonstrate making a simple cord loop with an overhand knot behind the neck to lift the badge to collarbone level.


## Terms used here

- Chisel-tip marker: A wide marker that creates broad strokes between 3mm and 5mm thick.

## Sources and adaptation

Observed in Relationship Makers Handbook (pages 264-266).

Retained the source guidance on 10-foot readability, large first names spanning the full width, restricting markers to thick tips, and raising tag placement. Added concrete steps for pair testing, timing, hybrid adaptation, and access options.

Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/name-tags-for-success/