Traditionally there are a number of different sounds that ghosts make. Really, ghosts can conceivably make any sound that humans make, but most commonly they are described as moaning, wailing, crying, or making other distressed or discomforting sounds. Sometimes ghosts also make sounds by interacting with their environment instead of by vocalizing. These sounds might be crashes or bangs—for instance from items falling or doors slamming, or they might be eerier noises like creaks or footsteps.

Ghosts gestures can be described in a number of different ways as well. Some ghosts are sudden, as observed in many descriptions of poltergeists. Others are more slow and careful, or even casual, with gestures that mimic the routines they lived in their daily lives.

Ghosts outlines are rarely clear. They might be invisible altogether or have blurred or indistinct outlines. Sometimes, though, they do appear clear as day, resembling a real person more than a ghostly being.