Perhaps he could just listen attentively. Sometimes when a friend is telling a story, there's not much one can do but be there and listen. Even if he feels helpless, his presence and attention can be a form of support.
He might be feeling helpless because he wants to contribute something to the story but can't find the right words. In this case, he could simply nod his head to show that he is following along and interested. This is a simple yet effective way to be involved in the conversation without actually saying anything.
The man could try to recall any relevant experiences he has had. Even if he can't immediately interrupt the friend's story - which might be why he looks on helplessly - he could prepare in his mind to share his own related story after the friend has finished. This would not only show his engagement but also might add to the overall conversation.
Maybe he can't interrupt his friend. Some people have a rule of not interrupting when someone is telling a story. So he just has to listen, even if he wants to do something else or has his own thoughts to add.
If it's appropriate, he can offer some empathetic expressions like 'I'm sorry to hear that' or 'That must have been tough'. This shows that he is engaged in the story and cares about what his friend is saying.
He could be in a situation where he wants to offer help or advice based on the story but is restricted by some external factors. For example, if they are in a public place where he can't speak freely, or if there are social norms that prevent him from interrupting. So he just has to look on helplessly.
It could also be due to nerves. If he's nervous about telling the story, perhaps in front of a large audience or to someone important, his body might react in strange ways and gagging could be one of those involuntary reactions.
He could be nervous. Maybe he's not used to speaking in public or sharing this particular story. The stress of getting the story out right might make his throat feel tight, leading to the gagging sensation.
There could be a physical issue. For example, if he has a problem with his throat like a minor irritation or something stuck in his throat, it can lead to gagging while talking. Also, if he has a reflux problem, stomach acid coming up can cause discomfort and gagging.
He could be looking at the listener's reactions and adjusting his pace accordingly. Sometimes, he might add personal comments or relate the story to his own experiences to make it more relatable.
It could be about one of Ant Man's adventures from a different perspective. Maybe his friend witnessed Ant Man's first encounter with a new villain and is now sharing all the exciting details, like how Ant Man used his shrinking ability in a creative way to outwit the bad guy.
The story could also be about their encounters with other superheroes. They might share tales of team - ups, like when they joined forces with the Avengers. His friend could talk about how they learned from each other and the great battles they fought side by side.
If it's due to a physical irritation, he could stop for a moment, take a sip of water to soothe his throat. Water can often help clear minor irritations.