Lip control is one of the most important skills in ventriloquism. It’s what makes the illusion believable and keeps the audience focused on your puppet, not your lips.
Many beginners struggle with lip control, especially when it comes to certain sounds like “B” or “P.” But with the right techniques, anyone can learn to master lip control.
This guide will teach you proper breathing, sound substitutions, and simple exercises to help you build confidence and improve your ventriloquism skills.
Table of Contents
- Why Lip Control Matters in Ventriloquism
- The Ventriloquist Mouth Position
- Start with Proper Breathing
- Sound Substitutions and Why They Matter
- Practice Simple Exercise Phrases Without Labials
- Best Practices for Mastering Lip Control
- Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Control in Ventriloquism
- Final Thoughts
Why Lip Control Matters in Ventriloquism
Lip control is the foundation of ventriloquism.
If you ask people what a ventriloquist is, most people will answer “someone who talks without moving their lips.”
Lip control is how you help your audience believe the puppet is doing the talking.
When you speak without moving your lips, if the puppet is moving and lip syncing the words, all the attention shifts to the puppet.
Lip control makes the illusion stronger and keeps the audience entertained.
Without good lip control, even the best jokes or stories can lose their impact.
That’s why mastering this skill is so important for any ventriloquist.
The Ventriloquist Mouth Position
To master lip control, you first need to understand the correct mouth and jaw position for ventriloquism. This position helps reduce lip movement while allowing your voice to project clear and strong.
Here’s how to position your mouth:
Keep your lips slightly parted:
This small gap helps minimize visible movement while allowing air to flow freely.
Maintain a slight smile:
A gentle smile naturally reduces lip movement and keeps your face relaxed.
Teeth lightly touching:
Do not clench your teeth! This is a huge mistake many make. Your upper and lower teeth should barely touch. This creates a stable base for your tongue to work without relying on lip movement.
Relax your jaw:
Avoid clenching or tensing your jaw. A relaxed jaw allows for smoother sound production and better control.
Practice holding this position while speaking. It might feel awkward at first, but with time, it will become more comfortable. Checking your posture in front of a mirror can help you fine-tune your technique.
Start with Proper Breathing
When your lips are still, for people to understand what you (or your character) are saying, you need to be heard.
Clear, strong sound starts with proper breathing.
If your breath isn’t steady, your voice won’t be clear, and the audience will miss what you’re saying.
When they can’t understand, they can’t be entertained and your act will hold no value to your audience. You’ll lose their attention.
Here’s a simple technique to practice:
- Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely.
- Exhale slowly and speak as you let the air out.
This helps keep your voice consistent and controlled. It also prevents you from running out of breath mid-sentence, which can break the illusion.
Steady airflow is key to making your puppet’s voice sound natural and believable. Practice this often to make it second nature.
Sound Substitutions and Why They Matter
Labial sounds like “B,” “P,” and “M” are tricky for ventriloquists because they rely on lip movement.
That’s where sound substitutions come in.
You’ll usually see people saying: instead of saying “B,” you use a “D” sound. For “P,” you use “T.”
These substitutions let you avoid moving your lips while still forming words.
But here’s the catch: substitutions are only part of the answer. They don’t sound natural. If you substitute carelessly, words like “Base Ball” might come out as “Dase Dall.”
These substitutions need to be modified to create the sounds of the letters you are replacing.
How can you do that? I recommend you consider training from a professional ventriloquist.
There are two courses available through Maher Ventriloquist Studios.
The first is an audio course by Bob Neller. This is excellent training for beginners and extremely affordable.
Not everyone can learn by audio only. If you are a visual learner, consider taking the video course “Learn-Ventriloquism.” It has helped so many ventriloquists learn the art properly and is highly recommended by the ventriloquist community.
Once you learn how to modify the sound of substitution letters, practice is key to making them clear so the audience doesn’t notice the difference.
Practice Simple Exercise Phrases Without Labials
One of the best ways to practice lip control is by starting with phrases that don’t use labial sounds. This builds confidence and lets you focus on keeping your lips still.
Here are a few to try:
- “Do they want it today?”
- “I can see the dog run.”
- “The cat sat on the mat.”
Practice these phrases in front of a mirror. Watch your lips carefully to make sure they’re not moving. This also helps you develop a slight smile, which naturally reduces lip movement.
Best Practices for Mastering Lip Control
Mastering lip control takes time and consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
- Practice Daily: Dedicate a few minutes several times every day to practicing in front of a mirror.
- Record Yourself: Record your voice to check how clear your substitutions sound. Adjust as needed.
- Relax Your Lips: Keep a slight gap between your teeth and relax your lips to minimize movement.
- Take Breaks: If your jaw feels tense, take a break. Overworking can affect your clarity, consistency & health.
- Focus on Timing: Match your puppet’s movements perfectly with your voice to strengthen the illusion.
With regular practice and these best practices, you’ll see steady improvement in your lip control skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Control in Ventriloquism
Why are labial sounds so difficult for ventriloquists?
Labial sounds like “B,” “P,” and “M” rely on lip contact to form properly. Since ventriloquists need to keep their lips still, they use substitutions to mimic these sounds without breaking the illusion.
How long does it take to master lip control?
It depends on how much you practice. With consistent daily practice, many beginners see noticeable improvements in a few weeks, but true mastery can take months. Then, practice is required to keep the skill solid.
What are some common mistakes beginners make?
Some common mistakes include tensing the jaw, not practicing sound substitutions enough, and overexaggerating lip movements when they do happen.
Can kids learn lip control as easily as adults?
Yes! Kids often pick up ventriloquism quickly because they’re naturally playful and open to learning. The key is making practice fun and consistent.
What tools can help with lip control?
Using a mirror to observe lip movement is important. Some ventriloquists also practice with a pencil held between their teeth to feel when their lips are moving.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the ventriloquism techniques of lip control is one of the most important steps in becoming a skilled ventriloquist.
It’s what makes the illusion believable and keeps your audience focused on your puppet.
By understanding how to position your mouth, then practicing proper breathing, sound substitutions, and simple exercise phrases, you can steadily improve your lip control.
Soon, you’ll be on your way to delivering seamless, professional performances.
Remember, ventriloquism is an art that takes time and patience to perfect.
Practice daily, have fun, and watch your confidence grow as your lip control improves.
