Here is our guide to online charades.
We put this guide together after running thousands of successful virtual team building events and fostering bonding among remote teams for years!
Playing online charades virtually with teams involves taking turns acting out words or phrases without speaking while teammates guess the correct answer. Engaging in this classic party game fosters creativity, communication, and teamwork among team members. Players will work together to decipher clues and achieve a shared goal, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Ideal group size:
4 to 10 players
This size allows for enough participants to form teams and take turns acting out and guessing words or phrases while maintaining a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Activity duration:
30 to 60 minutes
Cost:
Typically, playing charades online is free. All you need are some prompts and video conferencing software!
What you’ll need:
- Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
- Optional: Charades-themed virtual decks or packs for added variety
How to play:
Step 1: Select a Charades App or Platform (Optional)
If you want, you can choose a charades app or platform to facilitate gameplay. This step ensures the game is user-friendly and accessible for all participants.
One example is Pantoparty.
Step 2: Gather Your Team
Team members join a virtual meeting using video conferencing software. If you decide to use a charades platform, be sure your team has access and understands how to use it.
Step 3: Explain the Rules
Before playing, briefly explain the rules of charades. It is important to emphasize that participants will take turns acting out words or phrases without speaking while their teammates guess.
Step 4: Form Teams (Optional)
If your group is large, then divide participants into teams to encourage collaboration and friendly competition. You can even utilize breakout rooms for even larger groups.
Step 5: Start the Game
Groups can begin the first round of charades by selecting a participant to act out a word or phrase while the rest of the team guesses.
Step 6: Rotate Turns
Teams continue taking turns acting and guessing, rotating through members until every individual has had a chance to participate.
Step 7: Keep Score
Hosts award points to teams for correctly guessed answers, keeping track of scores throughout the game to determine the winner.
Step 8: Award Prizes (optional)
You can give winners fun digital prizes to reward them for their hard work. Examples include digital gift cards, online certificates, or superlatives.
Charades themes:
- Movies: Players act out titles of popular movies, characters, or famous scenes.
- Animals: Participants mime the names of various animals, including both domestic and wild species.
- Professions: Colleagues act out occupations or jobs, such as doctor, firefighter, or chef.
- Sports: Players mime sports activities, equipment, or famous athletes.
- Food and Drink: Folks act out different types of food, beverages, or cooking actions.
- Travel Destinations: Participants mime famous landmarks, cities, or tourist attractions worldwide.
- Superheroes: Attendees act out the powers, actions, or catchphrases of well-known superheroes.
- Historical Figures: Groups mime the actions or characteristics of famous historical figures from various time periods.
- Books: Teams act out titles, characters, or scenes from popular books and novels.
- Music: Players mime musical instruments, lyrics, or dance moves from favorite songs or bands.
- TV Shows: Folks act out titles, characters, or memorable scenes from popular television series.
- Holidays: Groups mime traditions, symbols, or activities associated with holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
- Technology: Teams act out gadgets, devices, or actions related to modern technology and digital culture.
- Famous Duos: Participants mime iconic pairs or partnerships from history, literature, or pop culture.
- Around the World: Teams mime landmarks, cultural symbols, or customs from different countries and regions.
- Cartoons and Animation: Groups act out characters, catchphrases, or scenes from animated movies or TV shows.
- Famous Quotes: Players mime famous quotes or sayings from literature, movies, or historical figures.
Tips:
- Keep gestures simple: Focus on clear and exaggerated movements to convey the word or phrase effectively to your teammates.
- Use facial expressions: Facial expressions can add depth and context to your gestures, helping teammates guess the correct answer.
- Pay attention to timing: Set a timer for each round to keep the game moving and ensure everyone has a chance to participate.
- Stay engaged: Even when it is not your turn, stay actively involved by cheering on your teammates and offering support.
- Be patient: If your teammates are struggling to guess, then do not get frustrated. Instead, offer gentle hints or gestures to help guide them.
- Have fun: Remember that the main goal of charades is to have fun and enjoy the experience with your team, so relax and enjoy the game!
Final Thoughts
Online charades unites teams, fostering laughter, creativity, and collaboration. This timeless game transcends physical distance, allowing team members to connect and bond in a fun and interactive way, regardless of their location. Through the joy of guessing and performing, participants strengthen communication skills, build trust, and create lasting memories.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on virtual happy hour games.
