Scary stories to tell in the dark: How can I make them even scarier when telling?

Pause at the right moments. Build up suspense by pausing just before the big scare. For instance, if you're about to reveal the monster in the closet, stop for a few seconds. Let the listeners' imaginations run wild with anticipation. And when you finally reveal it, it'll be much scarier. Also, describe the details vividly, like the smell of decay in a haunted house or the cold touch of a ghostly hand on someone's shoulder.

Set the mood. Dim the lights or use candles. If you're telling a story about a haunted house, you can make the room feel like a spooky place. You can also add some sound effects. For 'The Girl in the Graveyard' story, you could play some faint wind sounds in the background. Also, use hand gestures and facial expressions to make it more engaging and scarier. For instance, when talking about the ghostly figure in the graveyard, make your eyes wide and look around the room as if the ghost is there.

You can also use props. If you're telling a story about a monster in the woods, have some fake branches or leaves around. Maybe even a fake claw or something. And as you tell the story, use the props to enhance the description. For instance, if the monster is approaching, move the branches like it's pushing through them. This will engage the listeners' senses more and make the story seem scarier.

Use a low, slow voice. This creates a sense of mystery and makes the listeners have to strain to hear, which amps up the tension.

Use a low, creepy voice. For example, when you're telling a story like 'The Hook', whispering when the couple hears the strange noises outside the car can build up the tension. Also, use pauses at the right moments. If you're telling 'The Babysitter' and she just hears the first heavy breathing on the phone, a long pause before you continue can make the listeners hold their breath in anticipation.

Add some real - life details. If your story involves a haunted house, describe the creaking floorboards as if you were really there. Make it seem more tangible and relatable to your audience.

You can use sound effects. For example, play some creaking door sounds or howling wind noises in the background while telling the story. It'll add to the spooky atmosphere.

You can use a really quiet and suspenseful voice when telling the story. For example, when you get to the scariest part, slow down your speech and lower your voice to a whisper. This can make the listeners feel more on edge.

Use a spooky voice. When you tell the story in a low, raspy or trembling voice, it adds to the fear factor.

Add more details about the spooky setting. Like if it's set in a cemetery, describe the broken tombstones, the mist hovering over the graves, and the cold wind that seems to whisper. This will enhance the scariness.