Ventriloquism is a difficult art to master because the ventriloquist must be able to be several characters and different voices in one performance while creating the illusion that the voice is coming from sources other than them e.g. from the ventriloquist figure, from a trunk or even from the ceiling.

A basic definition of ventriloquism (also known as throwing your voice) is that it is the art of creating the illusion that the voices come from various places and distances from the actual speaker. To be able to master the art of the ventriloquism you will need to possess a good strong voice along with a good ear for sound.

There are 2 fundamental parts to ventriloquism – Near Ventriloquism and Natural Ventriloquism. A ventriloquist will normally add the associated art of polyphony to their repertoire.

Near Ventriloquism
Near ventriloquism is the easier part for ventriloquists to learn. It is used when the ventriloquist is in dialogue with ventriloquist figure (also known as a dummy). A caricature voice is normally employed to add effect to the dummy’s character. The illusion is effected by the ventriloquist speaking the dummy’s voice, keeping their facial muscles still and manipulating the dummy’s mouth to look like it is speaking.

A ventriloquist can deliver great performances with this part alone, for example to win America’s Got Talent Terry Fator used only near ventriloquism. A great singing voice may have played a part in it!

Natural Ventriloquism
Natural ventriloquism is where the ventriloquist creates the illusion that the voice is coming from some distance away from them (throwing your voice). The ventriloquist to help the illusion will look in the “direction” of the voice. They also modify their voice so that the sound and quality of it is the same as if it were heard from a distance away.

This is most commonly seen on TV when the ventriloquist figures voice appears to be coming from a trunk or bag. The ventriloquist modifies their voice so it has the same muffled quality it would have if it was actually coming from inside the trunk.

Polyphony
Polyphony is the art of imitating of sounds other than speech, such as the humming of bees, the bleating of sheep, noises made by sawing, pouring a glass of soda etc. Many of the noises can’t be made ventriloquially and no deception is attempted as to the source.

The ventriloquist combines polyphony with ventriloquism for variety and comic effect. For example, the ventriloquist can imitate the sound of an imaginary mosquito flying around a dummy’s head and great fun can be made of it while they try to catch it.

Ventriloquism is fun and entertaining (and in some cases informative) for an audience and the ventriloquist. With some effort there is the possibility of extra pocket money for the successful exponent. Anyone who possesses an average voice and a good ear that can sense impressions will be able to master the fundamental parts of ventriloquism.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ventriloquism – The Fundamentals

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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.

About the Author:

Learn and master ventriloquism quickly and easily – visit http://www.VentriloquistSecretsRevealed.com to claim a free preview of the recently released resource Ventriloquist Secrets Revealed

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Ventriloquism – 7 Simple Tips on Entertaining

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