10 Tips For Speaking To New People

By: People who’ve done NCS in the last couple of years. 

“How am I gonna make new friends?”
“I never know what to say to people”
“What do I say to start a conversation with someone new?”

If you’re going on an NCS experience and having those kind of thoughts, then you’re definitely not alone. Turning up when you don’t know anyone, and having to speak to new people isn’t always easy but if there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: everyone else will probably be feeling just as nervous as you!

How to speak to new people

Once you get into it, every NCS experience is loads of fun and you’ll no doubt come away having made a whole new group of BFFs. But still, the thought of talking to someone you've never talked to before can be a little daunting. That’s why we’ve asked people who’ve previously done NCS for their tips on how to break the ice, speak to new people, and make new friends. Here are their top tips:

1. Just say hi

Okay, we know this is often easier said than done. Because if you’re already feeling nervous or shy then it’s not easy to just go up and just say “Hi” to a total stranger. But the other person is probably just as nervous and wishing that someone would come to say hello and be nice to them. So if you can find the courage to do so, then they’ll be really happy about it — and it could be the start of a really good friendship! 

2. Start the convo with a compliment

Aulderney on Insta recommends starting the convo off with a compliment. It can be something as simple as, “I like your t-shirt”, or “Cool hair” — just make sure the compliment is authentic and something you really do like about the person. Starting up conversations, and keeping them going, is rather an art form and if you’re interested in learning more about it, head over here.

3. Bring card games

Both Bruno Kid and Aimie replied to our Ask Box recommending card games as a great way to meet new people. It’s often easier to do an activity with people rather than having to think of something to say, so… which card game could you take with you? 

4. Be the DJ

This tip ‘works like a charm’ says Charlie. Start playing songs and then ask people what tracks they’d like to hear. And don’t worry if you don’t have a speaker, as hopefully someone else will take one and you can be the person who suggests some great songs.  

5. Take your time

If you’re lucky, you might hit it off with the first person you start chatting to. But if that’s not the case, don’t panic. As Theo says, “The more people you meet the more chances you get to find people you like…”

There’ll be loads of people on NCS, so give yourself time to speak to everyone in your team. And don’t worry if it takes a little while to find ‘your’ people, you will find them! 

6. Speak your truth

When you’re meeting a whole new group of people you might think you need to ‘fit in’ with the crowd. But NCS is honestly a place where everyone is made to feel welcome, and where difference is celebrated. So the tip from Chloee is to not be afraid to share your opinions. Just be you and try your best! As Lexi says, just be yourself and people will like you for you.

7. Get involved

Esther and Soph recommend getting involved in everything! And there’ll be plenty to get involved with…. you could be doing high-ropes, or kayaking, or a first aid course. And doing those kinds of things will naturally mean you have things to talk about! So get involved with as many activities as you can, as it can be a great way to bond and form solid friendships. 

8. Respect your own limits

Yep, the last tip was to get involved with everything. But, if you experience social anxiety then it can often zap a lot of energy to socialise with other people in a big group. So respect your own limits! And do things that’ll replenish your energy — whether that’s breathwork, calling home, seeking support from your team leader, or making time to hang out by yourself or with just a couple of other people. NCS is inclusive of everyone… be they extroverted, introverted, neurodiverse, or whoever you may be. There’s a place for you on NCS, and you’re welcome to come exactly as you are!

9. Connect with people you don’t know

There are so many people who’ll be on your NCS away from home experience, and they’ll all have different backgrounds and come from different schools. So even once you’ve made some friends, do still try to continue talking with other people!

10. Enjoy your time

Each away from home experience lasts for five days (and four nights) — and while that might sound like a pretty decent length of time, it can go by in a flash! So, as our Insta follower Jafar shared, enjoy your time! You’ll make friends that’ll last a lifetime!

If you think you might be nervous about speaking to a new person at your NCS experience, why not save this link — or screengrab it — and then you can remind yourself of these tips when the time comes. 

Haven’t yet signed up for an experience? Grab your place here.