Ventriloquism - 7 Simple Tips on Entertaining

Once the budding ventriloquist has developed and mastered the art of ventriloquism the next step is to take these accomplishments forward for entertainment purposes.

To put an entertaining ventriloquism performance there are 2 additional areas to consider - the ventriloquism vocabulary and acting. In a ventriloquism performance the acting and dialogue play a major part in entertaining the audience and adding to the illusion that the voice is coming from somewhere other than the ventriloquist.

Ventriloquist Dialogue and Speaking Tips

1. There are certain words and phrases that can't be said without moving the lips and use of these sounds by the ventriloquist figure should be avoided for example the words containing "p's" or "b's". If there are occasions when you turn away from the audience as part of performance you can utter the words and sounds that can't be said ventriloquially.

2. When you speak in your natural voice, if you can, without sounding false or forced, employ the words or sounds that are impracticable in ventriloquism. This will help to conceal the limitations of ventriloquism. Also, when speaking naturally exaggerate slightly the movement of the lips to help cover any slight movement of your lips when speaking ventriloquially.

3. Your ventriloquist figure should have the punch line and amusing comments. The audience has come to see the "dummy" and not you. Its dialogue should be brief; you do not want to use three words when one will do the trick.

4. When speaking ventriloquially your mouth should be slightly open to allow sufficient volume to be heard. However it should not be so wide that your audience are able to see your tongue moving.

Acting and Expressions Tips

5. When speaking you need to keep your face and lips as still as you can. As much as possible you want your expression to be natural when you are "listening" to your ventriloquist figure's speaking.

6. Your expressions and attitude towards your figures and distant voices should be as though they are real to you. And always listen to your ventriloquist figure and voices as if it was the first time you had heard them. As appropriate act surprised, angry, concerned or happy in response to ventriloquist figures comments to show the full import of what has been said.

7. Your figures should be given characters and humor them and reprimand as if they were actually living and breathing. You are seeking to assist in creating the impression that it is really the figures that are speaking or misbehaving etc.

For best effect the dialogue is written so that the dummy has the best lines and that the words and sounds that can't be said ventriloquially are spoken by the ventriloquist using their natural voice. In summary the ventriloquist's acting plays are major role maintaining the illusion that the dummy is real in and in putting on an entertaining performance for the audience. By adding the areas of acting and dialogue to your ventriloquism skills you will be able to give an entertaining ventriloquism performance.