How to play
The silent line up game asks a group to arrange themselves in order, using only gestures, based on a prompt from the host. It needs no equipment, works with almost any group size, and usually takes just a few minutes per round.
- Explain the rule: no talking, whispering, mouthing words, or writing things down.
- Optionally run a practice round, such as lining up by height.
- Give a prompt, such as “line up by birthday, January first.”
- Start a timer if you like. Players hold up fingers, point, or mime to work out the order.
- When the line stops moving, let people speak. Go down the line and have each person say their answer to check the order.
- Repeat with a new prompt.
A common competitive version splits the group into teams of about five or six and asks each team to line up as quickly as possible, then clap or shout when done. The first team to finish with the correct order wins the round.
Easy prompts
These are good for warm-ups and for groups meeting for the first time.
- Height, shortest to tallest
- Shoe size, smallest to largest
- Number of siblings
- Number of pets
- Hair length, shortest to longest
- Number of cousins
Medium prompts
These need more creative gestures.
- Birthday, from January 1 to December 31
- Time you woke up this morning
- How far you traveled to get here today
- Number of languages you speak
- Time at your current company or school
- Who served themselves dinner first last night
Hard prompts
These need clever non-verbal communication, so allow extra time.
- First name, A to Z (players may draw letters in the air)
- Last name, A to Z
- Favorite color, alphabetically
- Street number of your home address
- Number of countries visited
Work-themed prompts
- Time with the company, shortest to longest
- Number of teams you have worked on
- How long your commute is
- Number of meetings you attended yesterday
- How many cups of coffee or tea you drink in a day
Prompts to avoid
Skip prompts that single people out or touch on sensitive topics. Age, weight, salary, and anything related to health or family are best left out, especially at work. Be careful with prompts such as “bones you have broken,” which can be uncomfortable for some. Choose neutral, easy-to-share facts.
Variations
- Team race: Teams compete to line up first, as above.
- Strict silence: Hard mode where even pointing is not allowed and players rely on small hand signals. Use sparingly.
- Sit-down version: Order chairs or seats along a row so it is accessible to people who cannot easily stand or move.
- Virtual version: Use gallery view and ask people to hold up fingers or note cards; the host then reads out the order the group agrees on.
Facilitation tips
- Keep the prompts light, and mix easy and harder ones.
- Allow people to opt out or to stand where they like.
- Pair this with a longer icebreaker when you have time. For name-focused options, see games to learn names fast. See our list of team building games with no equipment for other prop-free ideas.
- Short on time? It fits a five-minute slot; see also 5-minute games for adults and team meetings.
FAQ
What are some examples of silent team games?
Besides the silent line up, groups often try silent charades, Mirror, or silent birthday lineups. Each relies on gestures and attention instead of speech. For more gesture-based ideas, see mime game ideas.
What are some good 5-minute team icebreakers?
The silent line up is one, since each round takes only a few minutes. Two Truths and a Lie in pairs and a quick Would You Rather also fit.
How big can the group be?
Small and mid-sized groups work easily. For very large groups, split into several lines or teams so people can see each other.
How long should each round take?
Often two to five minutes, depending on group size and prompt difficulty.