Telling Scary Ghost Stories

Telling scary ghost stories is a great way to entertain people at a sleepover or party. There are a few things you can do to make your ghost story extra scary. These tips are sure to have your audience hanging on your every word and possibly jumping out of their seats.

Setting the Mood
First, it is very important to set the right mood for your scary ghost story. Wait until it is dark. If you are telling your ghost story outside, have everyone gather around the campfire. If you are telling your ghost story inside, turn all the lights out.

Have a flashlight handy to illuminate your face as you are telling the story. During the story, you can shine the flashlight on your audience for dramatic effect. If you are outside, you can pause the story and pretend you hear noises in the woods, then play your flashlight around the edge of the campfire. This is guaranteed to have your guests looking over their shoulders.

Personalize the Story
Make your current location a character in your story. For indoor tales, you can always say that your house is haunted, or that it's built on an old burial ground. Perhaps there's a spooky tree in your neighborhood, or an abandoned or dilapidated building nearby.

When you're outdoors, use both your location and the weather. Set your scary ghost story on a night exactly like the night you're telling your tale. Using the exact date and nearby details, such as a lake, train tracks, an old house or a forgotten mine in nearby hills, adds a touch of realism to your tale that will get under your audience's skin. Tell them it's a "true" ghost story that involves this exact location on this date on a night just like this.

Add Drama
Telling a scary ghost story is your time to shine as an actor. Use every bit of dramatic tone that you have, along with gruesome facial expressions. Facial expressions add a lot to your story, as does eye contact. Make eye contact with each of your audience members to make them feel like you are sharing a secret with them.

Get close to your audience and tell the tale in a slow, quiet voice that builds in tension until the ending. Use words that are descriptive and allow the listeners to paint the scene in their minds. Say things like bloody, torn sheet or sticky, red blood

Memorize the story beforehand. You don't need to know every detail, just the basic plot and characters. This seems more natural and helps the listeners believe that the story really is true, building the creep factor.

Remember to pause for dramatic effect. Building the story up to the scariest moment or the surprise ending, then pausing right before you reveal it, creates anticipation. You can also build tension by taking your time and pacing the story.

Add Some Props
Don't be afraid to use theatrical tricks. You can have an accomplice hiding in the dark, making rustling noises, moving things or even screaming at the appropriate moment. The more bloodcurdling, the better.

Check through your collection of Halloween party supplies for fake body parts, plastic skulls, hook hands or other scary items. Whipping one of these out at the climax of your story will have your audience jumping from their seats in fear.