Test Your Ventril-Ability No. 11 Answer Page
This test is found in Lesson Twenty-Three of the
Maher Course Of Ventriloquism – Detweiler Version.
It is a “self-check” test for your benefit.

True. The one universal quality of ventriloquism is humor. (Yes, Hollywood has produced some twisted movies containing humorless ventriloquism, but they’re not one of us!) Even when the subject of your program is serious, tasteful humor makes the message more effective.


False. Never use a joke that is not funny in your mind. However don’t pass judgement on a joke too quickly. Some poorly written jokes can be made humorous through creative rewriting.


False. Begin with strong material to get the show rolling!


False. While there may be exceptions, it is generally better to leave the audience with a smile on their faces. (They are much more likely to applaud while smiling too!)


Unless your ventriloquist technique is truly outstanding and you have creative writing skills to match, keep the conversation moving with lines that are short, crisp and concise.


Maybe – maybe not. We have witnessed wonderfully entertaining shows where the ventriloquist figure carried the majority of the conversation. They are the exception, however, not the rule. For the beginner, we recommend shorter lines for the ventriloquist figure or puppet.


False. It is perfectly acceptable for an encore to continue the program’s theme. It’s just not mandatory.


True. Just wait and see for yourself!


False. A pause or hesitation of any type always draws attention to that which follows. If a labial causes some amount of difficulty, do not highlight it by hesitating before saying the word with the labial. (And continue to practice until the labial in the word no longer causes a problem!)


If this statement seems a true description of your experience, find ways to build fresh enthusiasm and expression into the routine. Practice is valuable; too little is far more risky than too much. Memorization is good. Recitation is not. Keep the delivery believable and fresh. The routine may be “old hat” to you, but each audience is new. Use them as your inspiration!
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