The atmosphere also matters a great deal. In my childhood apartment experience, the dark hallway and the feeling of isolation contributed to the overall scariness of the cold hand on my shoulder.
One important element is a clear narrative arc. A best personal story has a beginning, middle, and end. It should start by setting the scene, like 'I was sitting in a coffee shop one day...'. Then there's the development where something interesting or challenging happens, and finally, a resolution. Also, the element of growth or change in the storyteller is crucial. For instance, if you tell a story about how you became more patient through a difficult experience, that's a great aspect of a good personal story.
One element is absurdity. If there are really strange or illogical things in the story, it can be funny. In the case of my baking story, mixing up salt and sugar in large amounts was absurd. Also, the way you tell the story matters. If you use exaggeration, like saying 'I put in a ton of salt instead of sugar', it adds to the humor. And relatable situations can also make it funny because people can put themselves in your shoes and find the humor in it.
One element is the unexpected consequences of our actions. For example, if you promise to clean your room by a certain time and instead you make it even messier trying to clean it quickly at the last minute. Another is self - realization. When you suddenly realize how silly your mistake was, like when you think you're an expert at something and then mess it up completely. And also the way we try to fix things. If we come up with really odd solutions to make up for our mistakes, it can be quite funny.
Surprise is a big one. Like in my coffee shop story with the pigeon, it was unexpected and that made it funny. Another element is self - deprecation. When you can laugh at your own mistakes or awkward situations, it often makes for a great funny story. For example, when I tripped while dancing at the party. Also, a bit of absurdity helps. Saying something completely wrong during a presentation like I did in high school added an element of absurdity that made the story funny.
One element is a spooky setting. For example, an old, abandoned mansion with creaky floors and dark hallways. It sets the mood immediately. Another is an unexplained phenomenon like strange noises or objects moving on their own. This creates a sense of mystery and unease. And a good ghost story often has a character who is either vulnerable or skeptical at first, which makes their journey through the haunting more interesting.
Surprise is a big one. Like in my story where the monkey snatched my popcorn out of the blue. It's unexpected and that makes it funny. Also, self - deprecation can be great. When you can laugh at your own mistakes or clumsy actions, it makes the story relatable and humorous. For example, when I tripped over my boots at the party.
The unknown is a key element. When the reader or listener doesn't know what the ghost is going to do next, it creates fear. For example, if a ghost is just described as a shadowy figure lurking in the corner, the lack of clear details makes it scarier.
A popular ghost story usually has relatable characters. When the characters are normal people like us, it becomes easier for the audience to imagine themselves in that situation. Also, the backstory of the ghost is crucial. If there's a tragic past that led to the ghost's existence, it adds depth to the story. For example, a ghost who was wronged in life and is now seeking justice. This makes the story more engaging and gives it a reason for being.
One element is the setting. Dark and isolated places like old houses, cemeteries, or abandoned asylums create a spooky atmosphere. Another is the appearance of the ghost. A figure in white, with long hair covering its face or having no feet and floating can be really creepy. Sound also plays a big part. Strange whispers, moans, or the sound of chains rattling add to the scariness.
One element is a ghost with an unexpected hobby or behavior. Like a ghost that loves to dance disco instead of being spooky. Another is when the people in the story react in a comical way to the ghost's presence. For example, if they mistake the ghost for a person in a costume and start giving it fashion advice.