Recently some things developed in the ventriloquism community that were rather disturbing.

Several individuals became upset about the perceived success of others. This blew up on Facebook with people taking different sides.

The same day, an article written for administrative professionals popped up in my news feed. It provided an insight that fit exactly what was happening in our little world.

In the article, several admins (administrative professionals) felt they could not respect their managers.

This was because said managers were demanding respect, rather than earning it.

Like in the vent world, these managers would continually flaunt their “accomplishments” in front of others. They felt they deserved respect because of them.

At the same time, these managers dismissed the achievements of others. They were bitter when others were recognized over their own accomplishments.

The author of the article encouraged the admins to re-open their minds and acknowledge what their managers were doing well.

She asked them to give their managers an opportunity to earn their respect from here forward. At the same time, they were encouraged to work toward earning their manager’s respect.

Here are some tips toward earning respect that the author shared with both admins and managers:

Consistency:

The fastest way to lose respect and credibility is to say one thing and do another. People will believe in you until you give them a reason not to. Do what you say you will, when you say you will.

Authenticity:

Respect comes naturally to those who are comfortable and confident enough to be themselves all the time. A genuine, true presence allows others to feel comfortable around you. If you feel you need to project a certain image of success, you probably haven’t achieved it.

Commit to education:

If you stop learning, you stop growing. You stagnate and begin to decay. You don’t have to know everything. It is important to surround yourself with others who can help contribute to your knowledge. And remember that we can learn from everyone. Even if it is what not to do.

Admit when you are wrong:

No one is right all the time. If you’re never wrong, you’re not trying as hard as you could be.

When you are wrong, admit it in a humble, confident manner. Share what you have learned from the experience and move on. Do not continue to dwell in the mistakes.

Allow others their dignity:

Disparaging others reflects poorly on you than it does your “victim.” It destroys the possibility for some to respect and trust you in the future.

Be Behind Others:

The best leaders are cheerleaders. They recognize the accomplishments of others and cheer them on. The success of individuals on the team inspires everyone to shine.

It is the same in our community. When one person succeeds it makes the art more visible to all. It isn’t a call to be jealous. It is a call to support their efforts.

Respected leaders are not recognition junkies.

Be supportive, not competitive:

Be quick to express gratitude for the efforts and contributions of everyone on your team. (Or in your profession.)

Take the time to understand and appreciate each person’s uniqueness. Help other enable their talent.

Someone else’s success does not discount you or your success.

Ultimately, respect will not be earned by your accomplishments, shows, or talent, but by the positive and personal impact you create – one person at a time.

By: Mark Wade

As you get out and perform you will find someone who attended your show may ask “Who is the “World’s Greatest Ventriloquist?” A very deep, and probing question, but not one easily answered.

The logical answer is “it depends upon the venue!”, and that is absolutely true.  To be the world’s greatest at anything you must wear many different hats, you must be at the top of your game in many different fields of vent performing. 

If a vent is good at working for adults, he or she may not be as good at performing for children.  Maybe a great Gospel vent is very successful, but can’t pull off doing a trade show or cruise ship. It once again depends upon the venue.

Another way to look at this might be “who is the funniest vent” or “who has the best lip control or mechanics” … the list goes on and on as to what the criteria may be.

I was once asked by a beginner vent where he could find a puppet “as funny as Jeff Dunham’s Peanut.”

I had to break the news to him that it was Jeff’s talent that made the puppets come to life.  Jeff could take the most meager puppet and breathe life into it. 

While an attractive puppet helps in the presentation of the act, it isn’t the total performance.  Many things go into a successful show like acting, voices, comedy material , in short, it’s a total package.

The real secret is hard work.  Working on all the things that makes a great performance is the key to success.

Professional vent Taylor Mason had the best answer to this question of “World’s Best” I think I have ever heard.  He said “You only have to be the BEST ventriloquist at that venue at that moment … period!”

There is no competition, no comparing, just be the absolute best vent at that moment giving your audience the BEST you have to offer  He is spot on with his advice.

Performing should be fun and not stressful.  YOU are the only ventriloquist at that venue, so let your vent light shine and show them you are the BEST.  You’ll be happy , and more importantly, your audience will be happy as well.. 

Now go out and be the “World’s Best” at your next show.

No doubt because like ventriloquism, they were an illusion of the voice. In fact, distant ventriloquism is a cross of imitation and sound effect.

Many entertainers lumped the three together under polyphony, but according to the official definition, that is not correct usage.

The Maher Course of Ventriloquism, Lesson 25, touched briefly upon this subject. It is worthy of a read, although the art truly needs a more indepth study.

Wes had appeared on every major talk and variety show on television. Both in the U.S. and overseas. His comedy act played the famous Crazy Horse Saloon in Paris. He even created sound effects for movies.

All using only his voice.

Wes had a hilarious act. He told stories with sound effects. I’m happy to be able to share some of these – take your time to listen/watch. You will be glad you did.

Winslow went on to have a successful career, appearing in all 7 Police Academy films, other movies, television and touring comedy clubs.

Today, you seldom see entertainers performing sound effects. Although a close relative is the Beatbox musician.

In the ventriloquism community, Philip Jones and Gary Owen are two of the only sound effects guys I know about.

Occasionally the Vent Haven ConVENTion would host a lecture on this topic, but it has been a few years. I’m not familiar with any other ways to learn, other than listen and mimic.

With the rarity of seeing this, it may be worthy of study by someone looking for a unique angle to their act.

Just a thought …

Do you do sound effects? Do you know a way to learn? Share your insights in the comments below:

It wasn’t, do you know Jeff Dunham. No one could even remember his name. And he was pretty famous.

Now, you say his name and a large portion of the crowd shake their head with familiarity. This is because Jeff has created a trademark.

You don’t grab fast food. You get McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, White Castle, or Dominos.

When you have a brand, you become a known commodity. People are familiar with you, and they tend to do business with brands they know and trust.

You don’t need a global brand. You can create a brand in your area.

A problem is, most people have no idea how to create a brand.

Some don’t even know what it is.

How did Jeff become memorable?

Simple – he was unique and different.

His name became well known because of a comedy bit he did with his character Peanut. Do you remember:

Jeff – fa – fa … DUN HAM dot Com!

A lot of people do. That was years back, and people still refer to it. It branded Jeff’s name and made him memorable.

This was followed up with Achmed the Dead Terrorist.

Again, different and memorable. Plus it helped that Jeff gave Achmed a catchphrase.

“I Keel You” was everywhere. And it made Jeff an international star.

Other ventriloquists have also achieved fame with trademarks. Who do you think of when you read or hear:

N – E – S – T – L – E – S, Nestles’ makes the very best …

You better have said Jimmy Nelson. If not, you have two options – turn in your vent card or go study your ventriloquism history.

You can’t achieve anything by copying others.

If you want to be a ventriloquist – you need to become an entertainer. Audiences want to be entertained. And entertainers are creative people.

There is only one you. So be you. And be the best and most creative you that you can be.

Being different makes you memorable. Hopefully in a good way.

Becoming memorable builds your brand.

Use your creativity and find a way to stand apart from the crowd.

It isn’t easy, so get to work!

I’ve heard it said that ventriloquism is a self taught art.

Really?

Can you just sit in front of a mirror, practice and become a ventriloquist?

You mean there is no need for a course? No need for a book?

Sure, there are plenty of free online ventriloquism lessons.

Can you learn it all from one free source? Or even several free sources?

And if you do need a book or a course, can one really provide all the information you will need to be self-taught?

People have told me, Jeff Dunham was self-taught. He used the Jimmy Nelson album.

But Jeff also attended the Vent Haven ConVENTion. He learned first hand from the likes of Jimmy and other famous ventriloquists of the day.

Terry Fator was self taught. Yes, but even Terry had mentors in the world of ventriloquism. Plus he had coaches who worked with him on audience eye-contact and staging. (This is included in his interview at: Discussions On Showmanship.)

Darci Lynne was self taught according to America’s Got Talent. While Darci did learn the basics on her own, she also received coaching from both Gary Owen and Terry Fator.

So in reality, ventriloquism is NOT a self taught art.

While you can learn the basics from free tutorials, or books, videos or courses, it requires help if you want to perfect your technique.

I’m not talking about just lip control or labials either.

There is so much more to the art than just talking without moving your lips.

Each year, the Vent Haven ConVENTion gets approximately 100 first time attendees. Many of these folks have never hung out with other ventriloquists.

The conVENTion is an eye-opener. They quickly discover there are all levels of ventriloquists.

From the beginner who doesn’t even understand the basics to the pro who’s puppet comes to life.

Many discover they are not as good as they thought. Others discover they are higher on the scale than they imagined. Although they still have a way to go.

The problem with self-taught is, the student doesn’t know what they don’t know.

The student doesn’t know what to look for. They can’t see or hear themself as an audience does.

And before anyone cries, “what about video?” some people don’t know how to watch the performance to pick up on tiny things that can make major improvements.

All the knowledge in the world will not help if you do not put it into practice. Lots of practice.

Oh, and you have to practice too. Did I mention you have to practice?

See the pattern?

Practice is something you must do. No one can help you there.

But becoming a self-taught ventriloquist is closing yourself off to the infinite knowledge of those who went before you.

Don’t learn in a vacuum.

Professional Puppets & Ventriloquist Figures

Today I want to answer some questions I get from beginners regarding professional puppets & ventriloquist figures:

“Do I need a professional puppet?”

“I want a really funny puppet, where can I get one?”

“What type of puppet should I use?”

“Where can I buy a professional puppet?”

These are not dumb questions. A lot of beginners stress over selecting their first puppet.

Some of you may know the answers.

Some of you may think your know the answers.

Others of you may be curious.

And some who should know better, still have no clue.

Let’s start with:

“Do I need a professional puppet?”

No.

If you are starting, you need to learn the skills. You need to learn how to entertain an audience. But you do not need a professional puppet.

I’ve seen Ronn Lucas pull a sock off his foot and entertain an audience for 15 to 20 minutes with it.

I’ve seen other ventriloquists pull out a tennis ball and have their audience laughing hysterically.

The quality of your puppet has nothing to do with the entertainment value of your act.

A professional puppet doesn’t improve your skill.

Just because you have a professional puppet doesn’t mean you are good.

And if you aren’t good – you’ve wasted your money unless you like dust collectors.

This brings us to:

“I want a really funny puppet, where can I get one?”

No puppet is funny.

I’ve never had a puppet tell me a joke.

They just sit there until you put them on your hand and manipulate them.

Just because you have a funny looking puppet, doesn’t mean it will be funny.

Just as:

A Professional Puppet Will Not Improve Your Skill
A Funny Puppet Will Not Improve Your Comedy.

I have a professional ventriloquist friend who is constantly looking for his next figure. The character that will take his career through the roof.

He’s bought a bunch. They don’t work out, and he sells them. Usually for less than he paid for them.

Why? It wasn’t the right character.

I’ve told this friend time and again, it is NOT the puppet.

“I know that!” he replies, “but when I get the right puppet the audiences will go wild. Look what Achmed did for Jeff!”

Here is the problem with that my friends:

Achmed is a character – not just a puppet.

Jeff didn’t just see a skeleton puppet and it started saying funny things.

Jeff created Achmed. (Actually he started with Dead Osama.)

He started with an idea and built it into a character.

That character was tested in front of audiences for years before it appeared on his TV special.

And my friend KNOWS that. Still, he is infatuated with the idea that the next puppet may be his big break.

So I will say it again –

It Is Not The Puppet
It Is What You, As The Ventriloquist Do With It!

This leads us to:

“What type of puppet should I use?”

I have no idea.

That is a personal decision.

You can use:

• A sock puppet. (Shari Lewis built a career with one.)
• A tennis ball.
• An oven mitt.
• A toy puppet.
• An animal puppet.
• A person puppet.
• A “thing” puppet.

It can be a hard figure – or a soft puppet.

Before you buy a puppet …

Create a character first.

Think about what type of character you want to create.

Will it be:

• A smart aleck?
• A tough guy?
• A wimpy/nervous/scared personality?
• A baby?
• A senior?

Think about the voice. Think about what it will do. Think about what it likes or doesn’t like.

The International Ventriloquist Society has a free Character Profile WorkBook and lesson here on the website.

The time you put in creating your character BEFORE you make, shop for or purchase a puppet, will save you time, money and frustration.

Finally, if you go through the above steps:
You have learned the skill.
You have learned to entertain.
You have created a profile,
and you are still looking for a professional puppet or ventriloquist figure …

We have a page of links to some of the best ventriloquist puppet and figure makers around. Just click here to visit!