So you want to be a ventriloquist! Well, you can. With the help of this clearly written, easy-to-follow guide, you'll soon be on your way to becoming an accomplished voice-thrower. (Actually, ventriloquists don't "throw" their voices; it's simply a fact that beyond a distance of about four feet, the human ear cannot precisely determine the exact origins of a sound.) Designed by a veteran performer for absolute beginners, this excellent manual provides all the helpful hints and useful advice you'll need to master the ventriloquist's art. In actual fact, you need only learn about a half-dozen special techniques. These are very clearly explained and exercises are provided to help you perfect your skills. Among the techniques you'll master are speaking without moving your lips, creating contrasting voices, using gestures, emphasizing certain words and executing a speedy delivery. You'll also learn to develop special, lifelike effects such as sneezing and creating a muffled voice or an echo effect for the "vent" figure. The book also features a number of dialogues to practice until you've achieved a professional delivery. In addition to these important basics, this book guides you in learning how to write, memorize and practice scripts; how to use props, publicize and schedule your show, and much more. Above all, aspiring performers will come to realize that ventriloquism is not a "natural" talent, but an acquired one, and that the key to success is "practice, practice, practice!" So whether you hope to become a celebrated performer, on stage before hundreds or even thousands of people, or simply want to use the ventriloquist's art to entertain family and friends, this indispensable guide will show you how to learn the basics, develop your skills and perfect and polish an appealing routine.