Today I want to talk about sound substitutions. Certain sounds and letters in the English language require the use of the lips. Since a ventriloquist’s goal is not to move their lips, a substitution must be made.
Many students of ventriloquism learn about letter substitutions. Books and lessons tell them the ear is not an accurate tool. By substituting a similar sounding letter, the audience is supposed to hear the correct word or sound. That is a half-truth.
Our hearing is not an accurate sense, but substituting a sound does not mean people will overlook the problem. They may not realize what you are doing, but they will realize something is off. And it is not your fault. The problem lies in the information, instructions and lessons you have been given.
You have only learned the secret of substitutions.
Not the skill.
In my online ventriloquism course, I use extreme close ups in high definition video to show students how sound and letter substitutions are made. You learn how to modify the substitution using your tongue and mouth to create the actual sounds. This ventriloquist course is designed to teach you the correct skills and techniques.
I’m not sure why some people settle for a low quality, when the skill can be achieved with accurate instruction and a bit of effort. Good enough often isn’t. If you watch live performances or video of some of the highest skilled ventriloquists around, such as Dan Horn or Ken Groves, you can see how it should be done. Both of these men practiced correct techniques and developed their skills. You can too.
