How to Tell the Best Scary Ghost Story Ever

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.

So, she was driving down Columbia Parkway one night, it might even have been Halloween, and she saw this little kid standing out on the side of road. This usually is followed by questions, like why was she there? What was she doing? Was it a ghost? Don't merely silence the questions - admit you have no answers.

I don't know why she was there, neither did my sister. But she looked like she was lost or something and she was wearing this long white gown, like pajamas. Well, Hannah passed her, but as she looked in the rearview mirror, she noticed the little girl was looking straight at her! This, of course, has to be told in a tone of amazement and disbelief. And as you get into the story, be sure your voice level lowers appropriately - you need to draw their attention all the way in, and lowering the voice level little by little does the trick.

Watch the faces of your listeners. Elaborate if necessary, but usually the idea of being stared at by a stranger is scary enough. Well, Hannah figured she was seeing things. I mean she was tired and had been babysitting all night, so she shook it off and kept on driving. But a little farther down the road, she saw the kid again! It looked like the same little girl in the same long white gown like pajamas. Hannah couldn't believe it!

As you tell this ghost story, you can judge the belief level of your listeners by their reactions. Here you'll usually get some oh, that's weird, or was it the same kid? If you have them, carry on with silent joy in your heart. If not, try, "Can you believe this? I didn't either at first." Then continue.

She was wide awake now, so she looked real hard at the little girl. And the little girl...looked back! Draw out those last two words, of course.

Hannah had to force her eyes back on the road before she lost control and ran off the road. But she couldn't figure out what she was seeing. Here you may get "OMG! It was a ghost!" But no sooner had she refocused on the road than she saw a white figure farther up ahead.

Now you'll probably get some, no, man, that's not the little girl, is it? She didn't know. But she slowed down this time as she approached the figure. Sure enough it was the little girl! She had on the same long white gown that looked like pajamas and . . . she was staring Hannah down again! Take a short pause for that to sink in. Your voice should not be a whisper yet, but lower than an everyday speaking voice. You are also drawing out the words a little bit more slowly than normal, too.

Hannah decided to stop and see what was wrong and why this little girl was out in the middle of the night. She pulled over and rolled down the window. If you're working it right, your listeners are telling Hannah not to do it. Stay in the car!

Hannah had to help this little girl. The little girl just stood there, so Hannah opened the door! Response you're hoping for: "OMG! What is she doing! I'd be so scared!"

The little girl got in, but she didn't say a word. Hannah started driving again, and asked the little girl who she was and why she was out on the parkway. The little girl still never said a word. She just looked straight ahead out the windshield, like she was in a trance or something.

Hannah really didn't know what she should do. Smile an inside smile if you hear this: I wouldn't even have stopped! She should go to the police.

She pulled over again so she wouldn't wreck and so she could talk to the little girl. But the little girl just sat there staring straight ahead. Repeating the little details of the story is important. Now you should work your voice down to a sotto voce - just a little bit above a whisper.

Hannah was about to give up and start the car again, and guess what happened - the little girl turned her head to face Hannah!
Really draw out those last six words.

She stared right into Hannah's eyes. Hannah leaned in a little to hear what the little girl might say. You must lean in as you say this - your listeners will follow your example and lean in closer to you. This is VERY important at this point of the ghost story!

Hannah leaned in and the little girl started to open her mouth. Hannah leaned in even closer ... you should be leaning in real far now and be at a whisper...almost touching foreheads with the little girl... slow down and make your listeners strain to hear you...

The little girl looked Hannah in the eyes... pause for effect and look your listeners in the eyes... She leaned in towards Hannah and said, ...

Now, there's a fine line between playing up the suspense and overdoing it, so be careful and watch your audience. After you have them leaned in, with their eyes wide open, waiting on what the little girl said, you answer in a very loud voice,

AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I have to admit, I love to see people jump! My best reaction ever was my best friend who snorted the Coca-Cola she had in her mouth while showering everyone with what was left in her glass. Sheer delight! Of course, you lose all credibility for any scary story told after that one, but it's well worth it! Give this ghost story a try this Halloween!