How to Learn Ventriloquism Online

Want to Learn Ventriloquism?

Ventriloquism is a form of entertainment that involves a person giving life to another object by making it talk. Usually this object is a puppet called a "ventriloquist's dummy." A ventriloquist is a person who throws his or her voice to make it appear like it is coming from another place. Usually this involves the ventriloquist being able to speak, sing and do other vocal activities without moving his or her lips. Ventriloquism is a theatrical illusion that is similar to magic, although it also takes great talent for the ventriloquist to make his or her act believable.

Things You'll Need

• Puppet with a moving mouth
• Mirror

Instructions

1. Subscribe to a source for ventriloquism videos. Several reputable websites, including Ventriloquism 101 and Expert Village (see the Resources section), provide videos that you can download that feature a ventriloquist breaking down his or her act step by step. Watching these videos will help you get ideas for developing your own characters and what techniques you can borrow for your own act.

2. Take notes. Many websites instruct you to replace certain letters with other letters to make them easier to say. For example, the "b" sound is a difficult one to say without moving your lips, so many ventriloquists suggest using the "v" sound.

3. Practice in front of a mirror. While you are researching online, have a mirror handy so you can try out the new steps you are learning. Watch to make sure your mouth isn't moving and that your puppet's mouth is moving in time with the words.

4. Read Google Books on ventriloquism. Google Books offers a variety of ventriloquist books, some of which are available online for free. Others can be purchased and read online for a fee. In the book "How to Become a Ventriloquist," by Edgar Bergen, you will learn the history of ventriloquism as well as important tips and tricks for improving your own act.

5. Visit ventriloquism forums on the Internet. Many ventriloquists gather on Internet forums to vent and talk about what elements in their act did not work. You can learn from others' mistakes. One great forum is on the Ventriloquism 101 site, featured in the Resources section.

Tips & Warnings

• Ventriloquism takes lots of practice, so don't get discouraged if you can't get the hang of it right away.

• Do not purchase any ventriloquism materials on the Internet from a site you do not trust.

Resources

• Ventriloquism101.com: Learn Ventriloquism Online
• ExpertVillage.com: Ventriloquism Videos
• Homeschooling.Resource for Making Puppets