Dumbstruck a cultural history of ventriloquism

Is ventriloquism a real thing?

The picture of a lonely person talking to dolls seems to be a popular image to people who have never experienced the magic of the art.
The truth is, ventriloquism is a skill that takes practice, persistence and talent to present.
People who take the art seriously and develop their skills are true artists..

Ventriloquism books

Ventriloquism (say ven-TRIL-o-kwism) is the art of talking with the tongue and not moving the mouth or face.
When a skilled ventriloquist does this sitting beside a figure (or “dummy”) that has a moving mouth, it looks like the figure is talking.
It works because humans use their eyes to find sound sources..

What is the history of ventriloquism?

The first known ventriloquist as such was Louis Brabant, valet to the French king Francis I in the 16th century.
Henry King, called the King's Whisperer, had the same function for the English king Charles I in the first half of the 17th century.
The technique was perfected in the 18th century..

What is the purpose of ventriloquism?

Ancient peoples thought that noises produced by the stomach were the voices of the dead, which could be interpreted by the ventriloquist.
During the 18th century, ventriloquism became less spiritual and more of a performance art.
It gained popularity as an act at traveling fairs..

To Do Ventriloquism:

1. You must be able to talk without moving your lips
2. Have a different voice for your puppet
3. Keep your puppet or ventriloquist figure “alive” through manipulation
4. And hold a believable conversation with your character