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Stinky Fish

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This is a short, simple activity to run early in a workshop or project. The idea is to get people to surface any unspoken concerns about the theme or the journey ahead. It helps people open up, connect, and clear the air.


The stinky fish is a metaphor: it’s that thing you’re carrying around but don’t really talk about – and the longer you keep it hidden, the stinkier it gets. By naming it and putting it out there, it becomes easier to deal with. People feel less alone, more connected, and ready to learn.

You can run this online or face-to-face.


Number of participants: 40+

Time needed: Between 60 - 120 minutes

Materials: A printed A4 template with a big outline of a fish for in-person sessions or an online board for virtual sessions


Step 1: Set It Up


Start by explaining the purpose in your own words. Something like:


“We’re going to spend a few minutes surfacing any worries or concerns you’ve brought with you - things that might get in the way if we don’t name them. These could be about the topic we’re exploring, the wider context, or even just how you’re feeling about the future.”


Then explain the metaphor of the stinky fish - it’s something you're carrying, but haven’t said out loud. And the longer it’s unspoken, the more it festers.


Hand out the printed fish templates (or share the digital one if you're online).



Step 2: Capture the Fish


Give people around 5 minutes to jot down their personal stinky fish.

They don’t need to write a lot, just a few words or a phrase inside the body of the fish.

It could be something like:


  • “I don’t feel confident with all this digital stuff.”

  • “I’m not sure where I fit in this change.”

  • “I’m worried we’ll just talk but not actually do anything.”



Step 3: Share & Listen


Bring the group back together and invite each person to share their stinky fish with the rest of the group.


Just 30-60 seconds each is plenty. Keep it relaxed. One at a time. No need to go deep, just a chance to hear each other and normalise these feelings.


If you're face-to-face, you can stick the fish up on the wall to create a visual gallery. Same goes for online, it can be helpful to refer back to them later in the programme.



Step 4: Wrap It Up


Thank everyone for sharing. Acknowledge that it's totally normal to have doubts, questions, or worries, especially when dealing with change or doing something new.


Let them know that calling these things out early is a powerful first step. And if it makes sense for your session, explain that some of what’s coming up later will help explore or work through those concerns.


Download your Stinky Fish Template:

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