30 Second Subjects™

Here is a fun game to play while
traveling in a vehicle (or any other time)!

This game stretches the imagination,
sparks creativity, and provides
practice speaking.

The object of the game is to speak about
a selected subject for 30 seconds. Sounds
easy, right? Well, the speaker must talk about
the subject for 30 seconds but cannot use any
"filler" type words or phrases, cannot have long
pauses, and cannot repeat themselves.

Examples of "filler" words or phrases that
cannot be used: "er", "um", "ah", "you know", "like" —
you get the idea.

What You Will Need:

• 2 or more players
• 30-second subjects™ Cards (click this link to open a PDF document in a new window).
• A watch with a second-hand, a stop-watch or other timer, or someone who can count to 30

How to Play:

• Print the 30-second subjects™ cards to get you started. The PDF document also contains blank cards for you to create your own subjects. Fold the pieces of paper in half to conceal the subject written on them. Place the pieces of paper in a container of some kind. TIP: We like to use zippered plastic storage bags to contain our 30- second subjects™ cards. The bags are easy to store the game pieces in the vehicle, as they take up very little room.
• Determine who will be the first speaker and who will be the timekeeper. Have the speaker select one of the 30-second subject™ cards.
• The speaker must now talk about the selected subject for 30 seconds without using any "filler" words or phrases (see above), without long pauses, and without repeating themselves. Normal pauses at the end of sentences are allowed.
• If another player thinks the speaker has paused, used a "filler" word or phrase, or has repeated themselves — they may challenge the speaker.
• The challenger must continue talking about the subject in the time that is left.
• The winner is the player who is speaking at the end of the 30 seconds.
• Continue playing by alternating speakers until all the 30-second subjects™ cards have been used.

Who is the longest speaker in your family?

Variations of the Game:

• Need something more challenging? Try increasing the length of time the speaker must talk to 45 seconds, or even to 60 seconds.
• Need something for very young children? Decrease the length of time for speaking to 20 seconds, then gradually increase the time as your child becomes more experienced.