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Two Kinds of Ventriloquism
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By Cecil H. Bullivant

TWO KINDS OF VENTRILOQUISM

Ventriloquism may be divided into two classes--the first and more easy of acquirement known as " near," i.e. including all those vocal illusions produced with the aid of automata ; and " distant," which takes in the various illusions achieved by what is known as " throwing the voice." 

The most finished exponent of both these branches, of this or any other age, was the great Lieutenant Walter Cole, and he introduced into his entertainment such an exquisite blending of the two styles that his example might well be imitated by other followers of the art. 

When carrying on an animated conversation with the "lay " figures placed at near quarters the proceedings would suddenly be interrupted by the low sound of voices coming from afar, and this would gradually increase in volume as the speakers were supposed to draw near, until at last they would be heard outside the very room in which the entertainment was taking place. 

This is alluded to now, as showing the latitude which ventriloquism allows its exponents. 

Of the two branches, "near" ventriloquism is much the simpler to acquire, although some might hold that, in order to justify the title, to " distant" sounds should first be mastered. 

For the purpose of adding interest to the work, students are recommended to give precedence to the it " near " effects. Briefly, the " near " voices come from the mouth, the " distant " from the throat. 

For the former five modified voices are generally used. These are: " The old man " " the old woman," " the little boy," " the little girl," and " the coster." 

The first is a foundation for the last two. It has been spoken of as the " grunt," because, being the vocal production of an aged and un educated man, in its initial stages it much resembles the familiar grunting of a pig. 

And here it should be noted that the speech of ventriloquist figures is always harsh and toneless because the efforts to produce the sound in the mouth without moving the lips rob them of that music and modulation invariably associated with the speech of educated persons. 

Do not attempt to speak ventriloquially, as you would naturally but slur the endings of your words. Grunt and drag them out slowly, just as do many countrymen and those unacquainted with the rules of proper speech. 

To give the sound the necessary depth and loudness, keep the lips slightly apart, the tongue lying loosely in the mouth ; then make the grunt, using some vowel sound like " ah! " fairly far back. 

To a certain extent the vocal chords will have to be contracted and the chin drawn slightly down into the chest. 

At first only a spasmodic jerkiness of the breath will come, but after a little practice " ah! " can be said quite easily, and then other and longer words follow as a matter of course.

THE OLD WOMAN'S VOICE

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