Do you remember lying in the dark at a slumber party while a brave soul in the group told an eerie ghost story? It seemed that every shadow on the wall took on a sinister tone as you listened spellbound to the ghostly conclusion. Sleep didn't come easily after one of those spooky stories because you were sure ghostly apparitions lurked in every corner of the room. While you may no longer be petrified by haunting tales of wayward spirits, you can certainly deliver ghostly tales of horror that make the hair on people's necks stand at attention. Here's how:
Choose a Quality Ghost Story
Ghost stories have abounded throughout history. Unless you intend to create your own, you'll want to choose an especially scary one. Search through antiquarian books and do online searches for the best ghost stories from the past. Memorize them for the next opportunity you have to deliver a spooky tale. Enjoy the experience of reading ghost stories from days gone by. It'll surely bring back memories of childhood.
Learn the Art of Effective Delivery
How you deliver the story makes all the difference in how your audience receives it. Use proper voice deflections and strategic pauses at the most spine tingling parts of the story. When things start to crescendo, stop and let people wonder what will happen next. Build suspense, intrigue and learn to arouse emotions in your listeners. You'll have your audience waiting for the chilling conclusion with bated breath.
Create the Proper Atmosphere
To make your story more effective, add some appropriate props such as a blazing fire in the fireplace or suspenseful music. Of course you'll want to dim the lights. A ghost story has minimal impact when it's told in broad daylight. One of the best settings for telling an effective ghost story is outdoors while gathered around a blazing camp fire. You'll get even more points if the campfire is surrounded by dark woods.
Personalize the Story
Change the location of your ghost story so it takes place in your hometown and personalize it by referring to well known landmarks in your city. The more personal you make the story, the more frightening it will be to your audience.
Ghost stories are a natural for children's slumber parties and for overnight camping trips. Be careful if your story will be told to children. You may want to avoid allowing children under the age of ten to participate as it can be too frightening for some kids who may have difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality. Be sure to adjust your story if you're dealing with a particularly sensitive audience. Ghost stories are meant to be frightening, but most of all they're meant to be fun!
