Ventriloquism

ven-tril'o-kwizm, the art of producing sounds in such a manner that they seem to come from some direction other than that of the speaker. A successful ventriloquist must also be able to imitate the voices and the noises of various animals. A ventriloquist in a crowded car, for instance, is able to create considerable sport by imitating the squeak of a mouse proceeding apparently from near a lady's feet, or the mew of a kitten which appears to proceed from someone's market basket. An imitative word of greeting, seeming to come from over one's shoulder where there is nothing but empty air, is sure to cause a stare of astonishment. The ventriloquist manages his voice by drawing in a deep breath and using the muscles of the larynx and the palate only, while the lips are held motionless so as to avoid detection.