One way is to preface the story with a disclaimer that it's just a story and not real. Then, when telling it, leave out some of the really gory or intense details. Also, you can focus more on the mystery aspect rather than the horror, like making it a puzzle to solve rather than a straight - up scare.
Well, you could change the ending of the story to be more positive or at least less bleak. Also, instead of emphasizing the fear - inducing elements all the time, talk about the characters' courage in the face of the scary situation. Another thing is to tell the story in a more matter - of - fact way, without using a lot of dramatic pauses and spooky voices. This can take away some of the edge of the scariness.
You can use a lighter tone when telling them. Maybe add some humor into the story. For instance, if there's a spooky monster, you can give it a funny quirk.
One way is to give warnings before the really scary parts. Let people know that something a bit spooky is coming up so they can brace themselves. Also, you could focus more on the mystery aspect rather than the pure horror. Another idea is to end the story on a positive note, like the hero overcomes the evil in a really cheesy or fun way that takes away some of the scariness.
Create a sense of mystery. Don't reveal everything right away. Let the listeners wonder what's going to happen next. In a 'scary stories to tell in the dark story', you can introduce strange events or characters without fully explaining them at first. For instance, mention a figure in the corner that disappears when you look directly at it. Also, use sound effects if possible. Creaking noises, howling winds, and sudden loud noises can all add to the scariness.
Build suspense. Don't give away the scariest parts too soon. Describe the setting and the characters in detail first. For instance, if it's a haunted house story, talk about how the old floorboards creak, how the walls seem to be closing in, and how the air is cold and musty. Then gradually introduce the spooky elements one by one.
The unknown elements. There are often strange creatures or events that defy explanation. It could be a shadowy figure that moves in the corner of your eye or a sound that seems to come from nowhere. These things play on our fear of the unknown, making us wonder what could be out there in the dark.
Well, it depends. If it's a group of people who enjoy horror and are in a setting like a horror-themed party, it might be okay. But in general, some people can be really sensitive to scary stories and might get nightmares or feel very uncomfortable. So it's not always appropriate.
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 details like pools of blood or body parts scattered around the zombzie background. It'll make it more grotesque and scary.
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.
There are also some Reddit communities dedicated to scary stories. For example, r/nosleep often features really terrifying tales that are perfect for reading in the dark. People post their own original stories there, and you can find a wide variety of horror genres.