Ventriloquism

Ventriloquism is a fun performance art. A ventriloquist makes it look like a puppet is talking. They do this by speaking without moving their lips. The puppet sits on their lap or arm. The puppet and the person often tell jokes together.

How It Works

A ventriloquist must learn to keep their mouth still. They use their tongue and throat to make sounds. Some letters, like B and P, are very hard to say this way. Ventriloquists change the sounds a little so they still work. It takes lots of practice to get it right.

History of the Art

People have done ventriloquism for thousands of years. Long ago, some thought the voices came from spirits. Today, it is used to make people laugh. Famous ventriloquists perform on TV and in theaters. Their puppets can look like people, animals, or funny creatures.

Fun Facts

• The word ventriloquism means 'speaking from the belly' in Latin.
• Some ventriloquists even drink water while their puppet keeps talking.
• There is a ventriloquist museum in Kentucky with over 900 puppets.

Did You Know?

A ventriloquist named Jeff Dunham is one of the most famous comedians in the world today.