ventriloquism

Ventriloquism is the performing art of speaking without visible movement of the lips, so that the voice appears to originate from a separate object, commonly a puppet or dummy. The term ventriloquism comes from the Latin ventriloquus, meaning “belly speaker,” and the aim is to create the illusion that another entity is producing the speech.

A ventriloquist uses specialized vocal technique to minimize lip movement while shaping sounds with the tongue, palate, and throat. By controlling breath, resonance, and articulation, the performer can produce distinct phonemes and sustain a voice that seems to emanate from the puppet. Many acts also feature a second or character voice, requiring the performer to switch registers and tones. The puppet is usually operated with one hand inside the head or mouth to move the jaw and head, coordinating movements with the ventriloquist’s speaking.

The phrase “throwing the voice” is a common but misleading description of the method; the sound is produced by the ventriloquist and directed toward the puppet to create the illusion that the puppet is speaking. The craft often relies on a back-and-forth between the ventriloquist and the character, including improvised dialogue and audience interaction.

Historical roots of ventriloquism extend back to ancient times and have evolved through European stage traditions and American vaudeville. In the 20th century, ventriloquism reached broader popularity through radio and television, with notable performers such as Edgar Bergen and later modern practitioners like Jeff Dunham. Today, ventriloquism remains a staple of live variety, comedy, and family entertainment, often centered on the relationship between the ventriloquist and the puppet.