Protocol Toolkit Item: 3e

NEVER HAVE I EVER

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Purpose

This simple protocol builds rapport and strengthens relationships through participant responses to fun questions.

Materials

  • Never Have I Ever Statements

Timeframe

15-30 Minutes

Preparation

    • This protocol works best in an open space where participants can form a circle.
  • Large groups can be broken into several smaller circle groups. If breaking into smaller groups, be sure the smaller groups are a good mix of the participants (naturally occurring groups should be broken up so participants can build relationships with others they may not know as well).
  • This protocol can be done standing or sitting. Creating a circle with chairs will add a few minutes to the time.
  • Facilitator(s) can do one of three options:
  • Read the Never Have I Ever Statements for the group as they participate OR 
  • Participants can select a Never Have I Ever Statement from a visible list (presentation slide) OR
  • Participants can come up with their own statements. 
  Never Have I Ever Statements, “Never have I ever…..”:
  • Dyed my hair
  • Baked a cake from scratch
  • Fallen down in public
  • Broken a bone
  • Had braces
  • Built something out of wood
  • Been to Disneyland
  • Eaten a Krispy Kreme donut
  • Screamed during a scary movie
  • Been to a professional sporting event
  • Slept till noon
  • Opened Christmas presents early
  • Played Scrabble
  • Rolled down a hill
  • Toilet papered someone’s house
  • Laughed so hard I cried
  • Burned myself with a curling iron
  • Gotten seasick
  • Eaten food that fell on the floor
  • Shared a sucker with my dog
  • Been in an accident
  • Had chickenpox
  • Shopped at Home Depot
  • Spied on my neighbors
  • Plucked my eyebrows
  • Ridden in a limo
  • Had a pet fish
  • Lied about my age
  • Bought something at a yard sale
  • Been ice skating
  • Hid on Halloween because I had no candy for trick-or-treaters
  • Been in the hospital
  • Made a prank call
  • Been sick on my birthday
  • Gotten a tattoo
  • Had food come out my nose
  • Had a massage
  • Locked my keys in the car
  • Ridden a horse
  • Been lost
  • Been to Europe
  • Built a fire
  • Been skydiving
  • Played golf
  • Had a manicure
  • Made mashed potatoes from scratch
  • Been to the circus
  • Made all A’s in school
  • Eaten a bug
  Note: Never Have I Ever Statements can also be created to focus on one specific area or topic the group might be addressing.

Instructions

Step 1:

 Introduce and Begin the Activity (15-20 minutes) Facilitator should have participants create the circle(s) first, then share the following information with them:
  • Participants will hold up ten fingers as the game begins.
  • One person will begin by making a Never Have I Ever Statement. Participants can choose one from the statement list or create their own, or the facilitator can read the statement to the group.
  • Anyone in the circle who has done the activity mentioned in the Never Have I Ever statement puts one finger down. 
  • Participants are eliminated once they have put down all their fingers. 
  • The “winner” is the last remaining participant with a finger raised. 
  Note: For a shorter timeframe, reduce the number of fingers to five.

Step 2:

Whole Group Debrief (5 minutes)
  • Pose the following questions to all participants and select volunteers to reply.
    • What thoughts and feelings were going through your mind as you participated in this protocol?
    • What surprised you? 
    • What lessons can we take away from this protocol?

Resources & Further Reading

Examples of Use

This protocol can serve as a Conocimiento activity or be used as a fun break activity during a meeting or session.
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