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The Man In The Moon

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Lateral thinking exercise called the Man in the Moon

The Man In The Moon

Fun lateral-thinking exercise with a focus on subtlety.

  • Simple, but not easy
  • Develops critical thinking
  • Promotes creativity
  • Sharpens observation skills
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sit in a circle, including yourself.
  2. Each person aims to identify what the ‘key’ is to unlock the secret to this puzzle.
  3. Use your index finger to draw a circle in the air in front of you, and then add two eyes, a nose and a mouth.
  4. As you draw, subtly clear your throat and say “THE MAN IN THE MOON HAS TWO EYES, A NOSE AND A MOUTH.”
  5. Next, invite a series of volunteers to repeat exactly what you did.
  6. Here’s the key: subtly clear your throat just before you start drawing.
  7. Unless a person clears their throat before commencing their attempt, they will not have unlocked the secret key.
  8. As each person makes an attempt to uncover the key, congratulate those who get it, and encourage those who do not.
  9. Continue to offer more and more obvious clues until everyone has identified the key.

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Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (1)

  1. David Piang-Nee

    Ahh a classic little puzzle, great as a time filler that can go for days depending on how subtle you make it.

    Offer to reveal the secret if people want to know as long as they respect others wishes to work it out for themselves.

    Another good one for around the campfire :). Good times 🙂

    Reply

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