The Hype Game
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
What This Game Teaches
This exercise builds confidence, positive communication, and the ability to amplify ideas and people in an engaging way.
Group Size
Groups of three or four
Time
10–15 minutes
Energy Level
High
How to Play
Form groups of three or four
Assign roles: Person A: interviewer Person B: subject Person C (and D if needed): hype person
The interviewer asks, “What’s something you’re good at or like about yourself?”
The subject answers.
The hype person/people enthusiastically “hypes up” the answer, making it bigger, more exciting, and more impressive.
Rotate roles so each person plays all three parts.
Variations
Add constraints like exaggeration or storytelling
Have the hype person turn the answer into a mini narrative
Use real workplace skills or strengths as prompts
Why It Works
Many people struggle to talk about themselves confidently.
This game separates the act of self-expression from self-promotion by letting someone else amplify your strengths. It builds confidence while also teaching how to support and elevate others.
In storytelling and leadership, the ability to highlight strengths, your own and others’, is incredibly valuable.
Pro Tips
Encourage big, bold energy from the hype person
Remind the subject to keep answers simple and authentic
Celebrate all contributions to reinforce positivity
Origins / References
-Inspired by improv exercises focused on status, confidence, and amplification.
-Hype Man was created by veteran Playfair facilitator Sean Moran who needed a game that could connect athletes and academics during college orientation events. Inspired by the dynamic between Chuck D and Flava Flav of Public Enemy, this game was born to build confidence, laughter, and community across diverse student groups.
Try This In Real Life
Practice “hyping” others in meetings or introductions, it builds trust and makes you a stronger collaborator.
If you want to build confidence and communication skills across your team, explore interactive workshops at Your Story, Well Told.
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