Add details about the setting. If it's a story about a haunted forest, describe the dark, gnarled trees, the thick fog that hangs low, and the howling wind. Also, create suspense by pausing at key moments. Like when the main character is about to open the door to the haunted house, stop for a second to let the anticipation build. And involve the listeners. Ask them what they would do in the situation of the story's character.
Use a spooky voice. Changing your tone to be low and menacing can really draw people in. For example, when you tell about the approaching monster, make your voice hushed and full of dread.
One way to make adult campfire stories more engaging is to incorporate real - life elements. If you're telling a story about a haunted house, mention how it might be similar to an old, dilapidated house in the nearby town. Include the emotions of the characters. Let the listeners know how the protagonist feels when they hear a strange noise or see something unusual. Another important aspect is to leave some parts open - ended. This makes the listeners think and come up with their own interpretations, which keeps them more involved in the story.
Use a lot of sound effects. For example, if you're telling a story about a creaky old house, make creaking noises while you're talking. It really sets the mood.
Use different voices for the characters. For example, if you're telling a story about a gruff bear, use a deep, growly voice. This makes the story come alive for the kids. Also, add some sound effects like snapping twigs for when an animal is walking in the forest or a whooshing sound when a magic spell is cast.
Use different voices for different characters. For example, make your voice low and raspy for a spooky monster. This will immediately draw the kids in.
Use different voices for different characters. For example, if you're telling a story about a spooky old man, use a raspy voice. This helps bring the story to life.
Make the setting vivid. Describe the campfire itself, how the flames are dancing and casting shadows. Then start building the world of the ghost story. Talk about the cold wind blowing through the trees in the story, the creaking of old doors if there are any in the plot. The more details you add to both the real campfire setting and the fictional story setting, the more engaged the kids will be.
Use suspense. For example, don't reveal the monster right away. Build up the tension by describing strange noises or small, unexplained events first.
They can use sound effects. For example, if there's a part in the story about a howling wind, one kid can make a whooshing sound. It makes the story feel more real.
Build up the suspense. Don't reveal the scary part right away. Describe the setting, the characters' feelings, and slowly introduce the element of fear. For instance, start by talking about how peaceful the forest seems at first, then gradually introduce the strange noises and the sense of unease.
Add some interactive elements. Pause during the story and ask the kids what they think will happen next. Or, if the story has a mystery, let them try to solve it as you go along. You can also have them act out parts of the story. For instance, if there's a scene where the character is running away from the ghost, have the kids run in place. This makes them more involved in the story - telling process.