Ventriloquism is the art that gives life to an inanimate object. In this article you will find tips and instructions for becoming a good ventriloquist.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to speak without moving your lips
Put your finger in front of your mouth, as if you were telling someone to be quiet. It will help keep your lips in place. Then recite the alphabet. You will notice that the letters "b," "f," "m," "p," "q," "v," and "w" will make your lips move. To pronounce these letters without moving your lips you will need to use substitutions. In place of "b" of "d" or "geh." For "f" of '"th." For "m" of "n", "nah" or "neh." For "p" of "kl" or "t." For "q" of "koo." For "v" of '"th." And for "w," say "ooh". You might think that these substitutions are ridiculous, but if you learn to emphasize syllables that do not contain these letters, the words will sound natural.
Step 2. Edit the entry
A convincing ventriloquist's voice must be very different from yours. Try to listen to yourself when you speak: do you speak softly or do you have a strong tone? Do you speak fast or slow? Do you have a low or shrill voice? Try giving your partner a different voice than yours for all of the categories listed above. To change your voice you will need to use different functions of your body. For example, if you speak with a stuffy nose, your voice will change.
- A great way to change your voice is to force the air through your nose, instead of your mouth as you speak.
- Another effective method is to make sounds from the throat, as deeply as possible, and also from the diaphragm. To do this, pretend you're coughing or lifting something heavy. You will find that the muscles around your stomach will contract. Use these muscles to speak. Your voice will come out deeper and more hoarse, which could be very helpful depending on the type of character you want to give your partner.
- Choose your ventriloquist voice carefully depending on the type of partner you wish to bring to life. If he's smart and witty, get him to talk quickly, without stammering. If he's silly or tardy, get him to speak in a slow, low voice. The voice you choose will help emphasize your partner's character and help make him sound alive.
Step 3. Bring your new friend to life
Choose the type of partner you want. Make sure it has a different character from yours, to give the illusion that you are two different people. If you are a kind and responsible person, make your partner a mischievous prankster. Choose something that contrasts with your personality.
Step 4. Find a puppet that fits your character
For example, if it is a young and exuberant boy, do not choose a puppet that represents an old man or a young girl. Make sure you choose the right partner according to your needs.
Step 5. Convince yourself that your partner is alive
Once this is done, it will be much easier to convince the public. Make sure that, from the moment you choose it (remove it from its box) and take its commands, it is absolutely alive. Have him tell the stories of his life, where he goes to school, etc. Even if you have to invent everything, this will help you believe that there is life in him.
Step 6. Animate the puppet appropriately
Ventriloquist puppets have many controls, but one suitable for both a beginner and an expert must have a movable head. Be careful when you buy it: do not grab it with a lanyard on the neck to move your mouth. Buy one where you can put your hand in your back, grab a rod attached to your head, and press a lever to operate your mouth. This is the key to animating your partner. When you make him speak, make sure he moves his mouth with every syllable he utters. Get him to move even as he talks. This way the audience will think he is alive. Also, you need to consider how far it will have to move. If he has a young and energetic character, his head will have to shake quickly and sway as he speaks. If, on the other hand, it represents an older character or a sleepy child, make him move his head slowly and not too much. Make sure, though, not to overdo it or it will distract the audience from his speech. Observe other people talking and have your partner imitate those movements.
Step 7. Enjoy
A good ventriloquist has a lot of passion. Always practice a lot. Practicing every day will help you perfect yourself. Don't just try talking to your partner. Play together, watch television, bring him into your family and introduce him to other people. Whether ventriloquism is a hobby or a profession, always make sure you have fun. Creating the illusion of a real life is difficult, but you have to believe in your friend to make it come alive.
Advice
- Remember that audiences primarily want a good show and not exaggerated things.
- If you are a beginner, try and try again. It takes years of practice to become a good ventriloquist.
- Watch famous ventriloquists and observe their movements.
- NEVER let yourself down. Trust yourself to improve yourself!
- Try to get the rest of your partner's body moving, not just the head. For example, have him change his position when he sits on your lap or on a stool. If it never moves, it will seem unreal.
- To avoid moving your lips, clench your teeth and press your tongue against it.
- Look in the mirror as you practice to understand what you are doing right and wrong. Also ask friends and family to look at you for their judgments.
- In all of us there is a child. The audience wants to believe that your partner is really alive, so avoid those tricks (like turning his head 360 degrees) that show he's just a puppet.
- Try talking to your puppet as if you were talking to a person. For example, if he's a funny guy, talk like you're talking to a very funny friend.
- Use lip balm before the show to make it easier for your mouth to move.
- When you put your finger on your lips, try to make the peace sign and put each finger in the corners of your mouth.
Warnings
- If the puppet has very obvious facial features, be sure to use them only when needed. Some ventriloquists make their eyes, eyebrows, and even ears move when their puppets speak. This can be confusing and distracting for both you and the audience.
- Don't buy a puppet with too many features on its face just for the sake of it. You probably won't use them all and they cost a lot. Also, they may confuse you as you check it out. Remember, many famous ventriloquists, such as Edgar Bergen and his partner Charlie McCarthy, didn't have any particular features.
- Don't use the puppet to insult others. Not only is this rude, but people will blame the insults on you.
