The only way to successfully create the illusion of ventriloquism is to give your figure a distinct and interesting personality. To do this you’ll need to create a bio for your dummy.

Many ventriloquist side-kicks have been know for their smart-aleck attitudes. They can say things that their owners could never get away with. Walter, Jeff Dunham’s figure, is a grouchy old coot.

Here’s a list of things you need to know about your new side-kick.

• Name:
• Age:
• What grade is he in?
• If he’s an adult – what does he do?
• Where is he from? This can make a big difference in how he talks. Does he have an accent?
• Hobbies:
• Likes:
• Dislikes:
• Family:

If you use a figure that’s a replica of a well know character, such as Slappy, you probably won’t want to try and make him a pleasant, sweet guy. It won’t seem believable.

But not all vent figures have to be wise-cracking dummies. Shari Lewis had great success with the sweet, mild-mannered, Lampchop. Jimmy Nelson and his dog puppet, Farfel, helped make Nestle a house-hold name.
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