How to Tell the Best Scary Ghost Story Ever

The Halloween Tale to End All Halloween Tales

For years I can no longer count on fingers and toes combined, I have been the teller of scary stories for my friends and neighbors. Halloween allows me the pleasure of pulling out my scariest stories, although campfires and any group gathering after dark can also create the perfect mood for a good old-fashioned scary ghost story. My all-time favorite scary story to tell is one that elicits yells and screams at the end. Of course, it also elicits groans and even a few jeers thrown my way, but the reaction from everyone is worth the effort and breath it takes to tell the tale. No one remains untouched. And I'm here to share this fabulous, scary, Halloween ghost tale.

When you decide to try relating this ghostly encounter, you have to keep a couple of things in mind: 1) personalize it (you'll see what I mean in a minute) and 2) believe it. If you exude belief, your listens will believe, and that's vitally important for this ghost story to work. Put yourself into the story and learn to set aside the thrill you know you are about to experience. Nothing kills a joke faster than laughing before you get to the punch line. Same here - nothing will kill this scary story faster than letting on it's just a story.

OK, here's the ghost story and tips on how to tell it well. The story is in italics; the tips are not.

Oh, man, did I ever tell you what happened to my sister a while ago? This is the personalizing part. Say that a friend or family member is involved. Those who know your family may even ask which sister - that's a sign you're getting them hooked.

It was amazing! You remember how she had to drive down Columbia Parkway so much at night last year? Y'know, when she was babysitting out there? Now you have a reason for her to be driving at night and a place they can relate to. Even if they have no idea what you're referring to, they'll say, yeah, just to hear the scary story.