Try a practice round
Before competing, act out an easy word such as “umbrella”. The practice round lets everyone see which gestures are allowed and how the timer works. Do not count points yet. Pretend to close the umbrella, open it and show the rain. A quick example explains the game faster than a long rule list.
Agree on three limits
For a basic game, ban spoken words and sounds, spelling letters and pointing at the actual answer in the room. Decide other details together: can you show the number of words with your fingers, point at a body part or accept a close synonym? Settle disputed rules before the next round and apply them equally.
Act from the big idea to details
For “astronaut”, begin with a spacesuit and weightlessness, then show flying or landing. For “cat on a keyboard”, act out a cat, then typing, before combining the two ideas. If nobody understands a gesture, change your approach rather than repeating it faster.
Choose a comfortable pace
Give a new group 60 or 90 seconds. Try 30 seconds for a faster competition. Start with easy difficulty. Skipping does not subtract a point, so use it to keep the round moving. If a player feels nervous, allow their first performance in a pair, provided everyone agrees before starting.
Keep everyone involved
Rotate actors rather than relying on the most outgoing players. With a larger group, form several teams and give each the same number of rounds. People who prefer not to act can still guess. Avoid demanding a performance or discussing a failed attempt longer than the round itself. The aim is shared laughter, not an acting exam.