Keep it simple; do it well

Question: I have a couple of questions for you. As a ventriloquist I have had much difficulty learning the distant voice and don't have a high enough register to do the "baby cry." From what I've read, heard and seen from most "successful" vents these novelty effects are a big part of a good performance. How important are they to the credibility of a ventriloquist and getting an audience to "buy into" you as a vent? Will audiences be impressed by an act without them? Is there anything that you would suggest that could replace them? I'm just a little apprehensive about not being as "talented" as some vents. What are you thoughts and recommendations? * * * * * *
Answer: I've always advocated keeping things simple and doing them well. Always work within your ability. There's no need to try to include every form of ventriloquism in your performance just because someone else does. Every performing ventriloquist started out the same - with the basics. With practice and performance experience it will be possible for you to expand your repertoire of skills as you go along. Always have the goal of making the next show a little better than the last. You may choose to add novelty effects one by one as your shows increase in number and you increase in confidence. Never yield to the temptation of adding novelty just for the sake of demonstrating novelty, but give it purpose in your act. Some pro vents, for instance, use the baby cry in every act; others will never use it at all. A simple show performed well will leave your audience impressed.