How to Tell Scary Stories

Before horror movies laced with special effects kept people up at night, people got scared the old-fashioned way: through storytelling. Telling scary stories in a way that really scares people can be tough to master, so it does take some practice. You can come up with the perfect story and build suspense to keep your audience hooked on your every word.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Coming up with a Story

1. Read a few classic scary stories to get inspiration. Go to the library or search online for the scariest stories you can find. Pick out 3 to 5 stories that have spooking potential and read them all the way through. Think about how you can make them your own by putting your own twist on them.^[1]
   
   • Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Woman in Black are a few classic scary stories that you could read.
   • The more realistic and recent the story, the scarier it'll be when you tell it. That way, the listeners can relate.
   • Urban legends make excellent scary stories. The danger with using an urban legend, however, is that some of your listeners may have heard variations of it, thus ruining the effect.
2. Set the story in a recent time period or place. Change the details so that it seems as though the story took place nearby, and recently. If the story took place in a canning factory, but you know there's a pecan factory in your town, switch out that detail (if you can do so without changing the story too much). If you can tie the story to someone you know, that’s even better.^[2]
   
3. Add in details to make your story sound realistic. Try to put in as many details as you can so your story sounds real, like where exactly it was, what time of day it was, or what the weather was like. If your story is about you, add in your reactions and what you were feeling. If you’re telling it from someone else’s perspective, give details on who they are and how you found out about it. For the big climax of your story, put in an actionable detail that’s super scary.^[3]
   
   • For example, you could tell an urban legend about your hometown from the point of view of your grandpa as a child.
   • Or, you could tell a ghost story about how you explored an abandoned building in the countryside.
   • You can also tweak your story to add in details of your current surroundings. For example, if you’re sitting outside on a foggy night, say that your story happened during a foggy night too.
4. End with a frightening climax to your story. The scariest part of a scary story is not knowing what’s coming next. Think of a large, expressive action that will make your audience jump or get super scared. Emphasize how scared the person in your story was to give your audience a way to relate.^[4]
   
   • If you’re telling a story about a monster, the climax could be that it almost caught you as you were running away.
   • If your story involves ghosts, you could talk about how you saw a dark figure in the hallway that rushed towards you.
   • For stories involving creepy critters, describe the feeling of a snake or a spider crawling up your arm.
5. Practice saying the story out loud once or twice. There’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot a crucial detail in the setup of your story. Spend a few minutes rehearsing how you’re going to tell your story, and make sure you aren’t leaving out any important information.^[5]
   
   • If you need to, you can write out a few notes to help you keep track of the details. However, try to memorize your story before you actually tell it.

[Edit]Building Suspense

1. Mention some casual details about your story throughout the day. Way before you tell the story (like the day before, or that morning), find a way to mention a few details that are relevant to the story. If you drive by the pecan factory, for example, ask your friends if they've ever been there. If you’re telling a ghost story, ask your friends if they believe in evil spirits.^[6]
   
   • This will make your audience curious and set up a little suspense before you even start telling your story.
2. Pick a time when you have your audience’s full attention. If you’re going camping, wait until you’re sitting by the bonfire. If you’re at a sleepover, time your story for when your friends are all in the living room. Try to make them sit around you so you can look everyone in the face.^[7]
   
   • If your audience members are distracted, your story won’t be as effective.
3. Act nervous about telling the story to build suspense. When the time draws near to tell the story, start pretending to be anxious. Get the chills here and there, and rub your upper arms as if to warm yourself. Look suddenly behind you, or at the distance, as if you just saw something. Keep doing this kind of stuff subtly until someone notices. At first, brush it off as if it's nothing, but keep up the act.^[8]
   
   • This will intrigue your audience so that they’re dying to know more. It also helps to build suspense, making your story even scarier.

[Edit]Scaring Your Audience

1. Start telling your story in a slow, quiet voice. Make your voice loud enough so that everyone can hear, but keep your eyes down to make it seem like you’re being forced to talk. A quiet voice can make you seem reluctant, like you don’t want to tell your story but the audience is twisting your arm.^[9]
   
   • This might even force some people to lean in closer to you, giving you more of their attention.
   • You could start your story with something like, “When I was 5 years old, my grandpa told me the story of the bloody lagoon.”
2. Add in body language to make your story more realistic. If you’re talking about how scared you were, open your eyes wide to look frightened. If you’re talking about how you had to hit or punch at something, swing your arms wildly. Use your body as a storytelling device to drive home the details.^[10][11]
   
   • This will help keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to say.
   • If you’re sitting right next to someone, use caution when you swing your arms around so you don’t hit them.
   • Try to stay seated when you tell your story. Standing up or acting out your words can make you seem too eager.
3. Use pauses for dramatic effect. As you get closer and closer to the climax of your story, stop talking for 2 to 3 seconds at a time. Act like you can’t even bear to tell the rest of the story to engage your audience even more.^[12]
   
   • Your audience might even feel bad for making you tell the story, which makes it even more scary.
   • For example, you could say, “And then… (dramatic pause) I heard a knock at the door.”
4. End the story with the dramatic climax. Yell the last sentence of your story while you lunge forward at your listeners and scare the life out of them. This will probably make them jump since they are so frightened. Even if they chuckle afterwards, you’ll know that you got them good with your story.^[13]
   
   • You can also end your story as quietly and uncomfortably as you started it for a more subtle, disconcerting effect.
   • Try to keep your story under 5 minutes long so that your audience doesn’t get bored.

[Edit]Tips

• Don't smile or laugh when you're telling the story. You want to establish a somber mood, tinged with anxiety.
• Always be on the lookout for new material. Read horror stories often, and think of ways you can adapt them into the spoken form.

[Edit]Warnings

• Make sure your story is appropriate for the audience. Young children, for example, probably don’t want to hear about blood and guts.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Write a Horror Story
• Play Bloody Mary
• Make a Horror Film

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/magazine/how-to-tell-a-ghost-story.html
2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/magazine/how-to-tell-a-ghost-story.html
3. ↑ https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/10/21/how-to-tell-a-scary-story/
4. ↑ https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/10/21/how-to-tell-a-scary-story/
5. ↑ https://www.wideopenspaces.com/tell-absolute-best-campfire-scary-stories/
6. ↑ https://www.wideopenspaces.com/tell-absolute-best-campfire-scary-stories/
7. ↑ https://www.wideopenspaces.com/tell-absolute-best-campfire-scary-stories/
8. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/magazine/how-to-tell-a-ghost-story.html
9. ↑ http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/tips-for-telling-a-good-campfire-story/
10. ↑ [v160976_b01]. 22 March 2019.
11. ↑ http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/tips-for-telling-a-good-campfire-story/
12. ↑ https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/10/21/how-to-tell-a-scary-story/
13. ↑ http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/tips-for-telling-a-good-campfire-story/

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How to Make Ghosts in a Dirt Graveyard

Once you create this dessert treat, it will look more realistic than just food. The following recipe will serve 15 to 18 hungry little "goblins".

[Edit]Ingredients

• 16 ounce (450g) package of Oreo sandwich cookies
• 3 1/2 cups of cold milk
• 12 ounce tub of Cool Whip (thawed)
• 2 packages (4-serving size each) of Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding and Pie Filling
• Assorted cookies, candies, candy corn, candy pumpkins, etc.
• Decorative icing

[Edit]Steps

1. Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the cookies into fine grains or simple crumbs in a plastic bag.
   
2. Make the pudding by mixing the cold milk with the pudding powders. Whisk everything together for about 2 minutes.
   
3. Mix about 3 cups of the Cool Whip and half of the cookie crumbs into the pudding. Stir thoroughly.
   
4. Pour the cookie pudding mixture into the baking pan and spread it out evenly.
   
5. Layer the top with the rest of the cookie crumbs.
   
6. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until ready to decorate.
   
7. Take the pan out of the refrigerator. Stick different kinds of cookies halfway into the pan to create the tombstones. Use decorative icing to create inscriptions on each cookie tombstone.
   
8. To make the ghosts, spoon wispy heaps of Cool Whip, layering each scoop smaller and smaller (as if you're making a snowman). Stick on a pair of small candies for the their eyes.
   
9. Sprinkle and insert different candies and candy pumpkins to make other effects of your graveyard. Once you're satisfied with the end result, it's ready to serve at your Halloween party!
   

[Edit]Tips

• You can also read How to Make Ghosts in the Graveyard, a recipe which consists of using peanut butter as the ground and marshmallows for the ghosts.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Rolling pin or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• 13 x 9 inch (22.5cm x 33cm) baking pan
• Spoon
• Display plate or stand

[Edit]References

• Adapted from, "Ghosts in the Graveyard", Kraft Halloween, 2002:16.

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How to Decorate a Pumpkin Without Carving It

Carving pumpkins is one of the most notable Halloween activities and is popular among people of all ages. However, since the carving process can be difficult or dangerous, some may choose to decorate their pumpkin with other materials, like rhinestones or paint. Read on to learn how to give a pumpkin some flair without using carving tools.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Painting on Pumpkins

1. Spray paint a pumpkin if you want to change its color. Wipe the pumpkin with a damp cloth, then let it dry. Take the pumpkin outside and hold it by its stem. Apply a light even coat of acrylic spray paint, let the paint dry 15 to 20 minutes, then apply a second coat. Wait 24 hours before displaying the pumpkin.^[1][2]
   
   • Read the label on the spray paint to find out how far from the surface you should hold the can. In most cases it is .
   • Turn a triangular pumpkin into a candy corn by painting the bottom orange, the middle yellow, and the top white.^[3]
   • Create a color-blocked pumpkin by masking off half of it with painter's tape. Paint the pumpkin as desired, let it dry, then peel the tape off.^[4]
2. Use adhesive stencils to create a simple design. Wipe the pumpkin down with a damp cloth first, then let it dry. Apply an adhesive stencil to the pumpkin, then paint the stencil with spray paint. Let the paint dry, then apply a second coat. Let the paint dry completely, then remove the stencil.^[5]
   
   • If you don't want to use spray paint, use acrylic craft paint instead.
   • You can use regular stencils or reverse stencils. You can even make your own using contact paper or adhesive shelf liner.
   • For a more intricate design, pin a paper doily to the pumpkin, then spray paint it. Remove the pins and doily before the paint dries.
3. Scrape designs into spray painted pumpkins if you want a unique look. Coat a real pumpkin (not a fake craft pumpkin) with black acrylic spray paint. Let the paint dry, then scrape designs into it using a spoon or fork handle. You can create any sort of design you want. For example:^[6]
   
   • Jack-o-Lantern faces
   • Geometric patterns
   • Flourishes and scrolls
   • Spooky messages
4. Use glow-in-the-dark over a spray painted pumpkin for a colorful effect. Paint your pumpkin with white, black, purple, or dark blue spray paint first. Let the paint dry, then paint designs onto it using glow-in-the-dark paint.^[7]
   
   • If you will be using a black light on your porch, consider using UV or black light paint instead. You can find it in craft stores around Halloween.
   • You can use acrylic craft paint or dimensional/puffy paint. Be aware that the latter takes much longer to dry.
5. Paint designs directly onto your pumpkin. You can do this on a bare pumpkin, or you can spray paint the pumpkin a different color first. Use a thin, pointed paintbrush and acrylic paint to create your own, unique design. If you are worried about messing up, sketch out your design using a light-colored, washable marker.
   
   • Try generic designs, such as zigzags, polka dots, or stripes.
   • Paint popular Halloween characters, such bats, black cats, skeletons, or witches.
   • Paint a Jack-o-Lantern face onto your pumpkin. Black or yellow paint will work well for this.

[Edit]Drawing and Writing on Pumpkins

1. Draw designs with a black permanent marker for a simple look. Sketch out your design with a light-colored washable marker first. If you make a mistake, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Once you are happy with your design, go over it with a black permanent marker; a black paint pen may also work.^[8]
   
   • You can create all sorts of designs, such as Jack-o-Lantern faces, geometric patterns, and fancy flourishes.
2. Paint your pumpkin before drawing on it if you want something fancier. Coat a pumpkin with 2 coats of black spray paint. Let the paint dry, then draw designs on the pumpkin using a white paint pen. Alternatively, you can paint the pumpkin white, then draw on it using a black permanent marker or a black paint pen.^[9]
   
   • Shake the paint pen until you hear it rattle, then tap it lightly on a sheet of paper until the paint comes out of the tip.
3. Turn a pumpkin into a chalkboard if you want to change your message. Paint your pumpkin with chalkboard paint according to the instructions on the can. Let the paint dry and cure. Rub chalk over it, then wipe the chalk off with a dry cloth. Write or draw on the pumpkin as desired with chalk.^[10]
   
   • It would be best to use a fake craft pumpkin. This way, you can use it throughout the year!
4. Write a message with thumbtacks for a unique twist. Spray paint your pumpkin first, if desired, then let the paint dry. Write a simple word, such as "BOO!" using a light-colored washable marker. Stick gold or silver thumbtacks into the pumpkin using the drawn lines as a guide. Place the tacks close enough so that they are touching.^[11]
   
   • You can use any type of font you want, including cursive.
   • Use 2 to 3 rows of thumbtacks to make the letters thicker.
5. Create multiple pumpkins to spell out a single word. Choose 1 of the decorating methods from above, then use it to create a single letter on each pumpkin. Arrange the pumpkins to spell out a word, such as "BOO!".
   

[Edit]Gluing Items to Pumpkins

1. Hot glue rickrack and grosgrain ribbon along the ribs for a simple look. Hot glue each piece along the vertical ribs (indented lines) of your pumpkin. Start from the top of the pumpkin and finish at the bottom; trim off any excess rickrack or ribbon.^[12]
   
   • Get some rickrack and grosgrain ribbon in several different colors and patterns for a more colorful look.
   • Stack thin trims on top of wider ones to make the pumpkin more detailed.
2. Hot glue rhinestones if you want to make a fancy pumpkin. Choose a fake craft pumpkin from the craft store, then spray paint it a different color, if desired. Let the paint dry, then hot glue rhinestones to it. You can also hot glue strands of sequin trim to create designs such as words, spirals, and polka dots.^[13]
   
   • You can try using a real pumpkin, but you will need to wipe it down with a damp cloth first to remove any surface dirt.
3. Glue lace around the middle of the pumpkin for a rustic-chic look. Find white or black lace trim that is between wide. Cut a strip long enough to wrap around the middle of your pumpkin. Secure the lace to the pumpkin using hot glue or fabric glue.^[14]
   
   • Try black lace on top of a white pumpkin for a spooky look.
   • Spray paint the pumpkin first to make the lace pop!
4. Decoupage paper onto a pumpkin if you like to scrapbook. Purchase patterned paper with large designs on it, such as flowers or birds. Cut the designs out. Stick the paper to the pumpkin with decoupage glue until the entire surface is covered. Coat the pumpkin with a final layer of decoupage glue.^[15][16]
   
5. Glue tissue paper fall leaves onto a pumpkin for a festive look. Trace fall leaves onto red, orange, and yellow tissue paper. Cut the leaves out, then glue them to the pumpkin using decoupage or tacky glue. Coat the leaves with another layer of glue to seal them in, then let everything dry.^[17]
   
   • Create realistic veins by brushing the leaves inward from the outside edges with a coarse-bristle brush. Do this while they are still wet.
   • Trace leaves onto silver "fancy foil wrap" for a fancier look. You can find this product in the baking aisle of a craft store.^[18]
   • If leaves are too complex a shape, you can just cut different-colored tissue paper into small rectangles or squares and attach them to your pumpkin with Mod Podge.^[19]
6. Drill holes into a pumpkin, then add flowers to make a centerpiece. Cut your desired flowers down to . Drill holes into a real or fake craft pumpkin, then insert the cut flowers into the holes. Use a combination of large, medium, and small flowers; they can be real or fake.^[20]
   
   • Use dark, neutral, or fall colors, such as red, orange, yellow, brown, teal, or plum.
   • Choose fall flowers, such as dahlias, mums, sunflowers, and yellow daisies. Avoid spring flowers, such as tulips and daffodils.
   • You can create any sort of pattern you want, but put the flowers close enough together so that they touch.
7. Apply gold leaf to a fake pumpkin for a fancy, gilded design. Spread clear craft glue over the surface of a fake craft pumpkin. Use tweezers to pick up pieces of gold leaf, and a soft-bristled paintbrush to smooth them down. Let the glue dry, then smooth the surface further with a soft cloth.
   
   • You can buy gold leafing kits in the craft store. They come in silver, gold, and copper.
   • You can use a real pumpkin, but it will eventually rot. Gold leaf is expensive, so it is better to use it on a fake craft pumpkin, which will last forever.

[Edit]Making Cute Pumpkin Creatures

1. Create a cat using black paint and construction paper. Paint your pumpkin black using black acrylic paint. Let the pumpkin dry, then cut 2 triangles out of black construction paper. Fold the bottom of each triangle by to make a tab, then glue it to the top of the pumpkin to make the ears. Give the cat more details, such as:
   
   • Cut a pink triangle out of construction paper, and glue it to the middle of the pumpkin for the nose.
   • Cut 2 almond shapes out of yellow or green construction paper, then draw a black vertical line down the middle of each 1 for the pupils. Glue these above the nose.
   • Paint some whiskers and a mouth using white or gray acrylic craft paint and a thin, pointed paintbrush.
2. Turn a black pumpkin into a bat for a spooky twist. Paint a pumpkin black with acrylic craft paint, then let it dry. Cut 2 large bat wings and 2 large triangular ears out of black construction paper. Fold the end of each wing by to make a tab, then glue the tab to the sides of the pumpkin. Fold the bottom of each ear by , and glue them to the top of the pumpkin. Give the bat details, such as:
   
   • Cut 2 round eyes out of red, white, or yellow construction paper and glue it to the middle of the pumpkin.
   • Use white acrylic craft paint and a thin, pointed paintbrush to add a simple mouth and white, pointed fangs.
3. Create a witch pumpkin by painting it green and giving it a witch hat. Paint your pumpkin green, then let it dry. put a black witch hat on top of the pumpkin. Glue some straw or raffia under the hat to make the hair. Add some other details, such as:
   
   • Paint 2 large white circles for the eyes, then add a smaller black dot in the middle of each one for the pupils.
   • Paint a mouth using black acrylic craft paint and a thin, pointed paintbrush.
   • Roll up bits of green construction paper, then glue it to the face to make warts.
4. Turn a white pumpkin into a ghost or skeleton. Buy a white pumpkin, or paint an orange pumpkin using white acrylic craft paint. Paint 2 large black circles for the eyes. If you want to make a ghost, paint a third black circle below the eyes for the mouth. If you are making a skeleton, paint a small, black triangle instead, then add a toothy grin below that.
   
   • If you are having trouble painting a skeleton's mouth, start with a long, horizontal line, then paint short vertical lines going through it, like this: |-|-|-|-|
5. Wrap a painted pumpkin with gauze to create a mummy. Paint a pumpkin using acrylic craft paint. Let the paint dry, then wrap the pumpkin using crisscrossing strips of gauze. Hot glue large googly eyes to the pumpkin to complete the mummy's face.^[21]
   
   • Leave some spaces between the gauze so that you can see the paint. Hot glue the ends of the gauze down so that it doesn't fall off.
   • Use a ghoulish color for your paint, such as black, blue, green, gray, or teal.
6. Glue candy corn to a small pumpkin to make a hedgehog. Hot glue candy corn all over your, but leave a large circle in the middle of 1 side blank for the face. Paint 2 black eyes, a brown triangular nose, and 2 rosy cheeks to finish your hedgehog.^[22]
   
   • Use brown, orange, and white candy corn for a more realistic hedgehog.
   • Glue the candy corn pieces close enough so that the sides are touching. The smaller your pumpkin is, the less candy you'll have to use.

[Edit]Pumpkin Stencils

Happy Pumpkin Template

Happy Pumpkin Template

Scary Pumpkin Template

Scary Pumpkin Template

[Edit]Tips

• Use fake craft pumpkins if you want your project to last.
• Wipe real pumpkins down with a damp cloth before decorating them. Keep in mind that paint will still chip easily if you are not careful.
• Decorate your pumpkin with stickers or self-adhesive rhinestones for a quick and easy project.

[Edit]Warnings

• Use low-temp hot glue guns instead of high-temp ones. They are less likely to cause painful burns and blisters.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Painting on Pumpkins

• Pumpkin, real or fake
• Spray paint or acrylic craft paint
• Paintbrushes, if using acrylic craft paint
• Stencils, paint pens, etc. (optional)

[Edit]Drawing and Writing on Pumpkins

• Pumpkin, real or fake
• Spray paint or acrylic craft paint
• Paintbrushes, if using acrylic craft paint
• Washable markers
• Paint pens or permanent markers

[Edit]Gluing Items to Pumpkins

• Pumpkin, real or fake
• Hot glue or tacky glue
• Embellishments (rickrack, rhinestones, etc.)

[Edit]Decorating Pumpkins in Other Ways

• Pumpkin, real or fake
• Acrylic craft paint
• Paintbrushes
• Hot glue or tacky glue
• Embellishments (candy, construction paper, etc.)

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v161537_b01]. 29 October 2020.
2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/pumpkin-decorating#metallic-pumpkin
3. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/halloween/pumpkin-decorating/easy-no-carve-halloween-pumpkins/?slideId=65617759-b2a4-4a41-b82c-2728e356f392
4. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=34
5. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=3
6. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=36
7. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=8
8. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=33
9. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=48
10. ↑ http://www.womansday.com/home/decorating/g1902/painted-pumpkins-ideas/?slide=3
11. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/pumpkin-decorating#pumpkin-tacks
12. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/halloween/pumpkin-decorating/easy-no-carve-halloween-pumpkins/?slideId=68bee416-0a22-425f-bf83-f1269dc479cf
13. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=41
14. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=9
15. ↑ [v161537_b01]. 29 October 2020.
16. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=46
17. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=16
18. ↑ http://www.womansday.com/home/decorating/g1902/painted-pumpkins-ideas/?slide=2
19. ↑ [v161537_b01]. 29 October 2020.
20. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g1714/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating/?slide=6
21. ↑ http://www.womansday.com/home/decorating/g1902/painted-pumpkins-ideas/?slide=5
22. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/halloween/pumpkin-decorating/hedgehog-pumpkin/

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