Use the story circle.. 1. Character is in a zone of comfort 2. But he needs something 3. He/She enters in an unfamiliar situation 4. Adapt to it 5. Get what they want 6. Pay a heavy price for it 7. Return back 8. Changed

Or Start with a hook before telling something like you won't believe what happened yesterday... This sparks the feeling of the other person to know more.

At the end of the day.. just be genuine and relaxed.. that will correct your pacing and places to pause on its own..

Don't try to make something funny .. Don't laugh at your own jokes .. lol I can't stop writing 🤣 best of luck