Lately, I have been trying to become better at telling stories. Not like made up stories that I got online but like crazy shit that has happened to me or to someone else.

The problem I have run into though is that when I begin telling the story, I can never stay "in the moment". I always get distracted because, although I am amusing myself with this story, I am equally trying to impress my audience. I'll start out really good, but when I begin to notice that they are really enjoying my story, I start setting the expectations of myself to keep the story as good as it is and this makes me lose my train of thought. Most of the time I can get back on track and finish the story half ass, but then other times my audience just loses interest in me and this is not good for my social life!

I'm hoping I was clear enough on this. I just need to figure out how to stay "in the moment" and be clear of distractions. Any suggestions?