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How to Make a Puppet's Mouth Move to Talk

One magical method of communicating with kids is through a puppet show. You can present a story or message through puppets in a manner that captures children's attention. One of the most fundamental aspects of basic puppet presentations is the movement of the puppet's mouth. You'll need to learn and practice basic puppet mouth moving skills in order to be able to present a puppet show that looks natural and life-like.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your fingers in the roof of the puppet's mouth and your thumb in the jaw portion of the mouth. Your puppet may have elastic straps in both sections. If so, slip your fingers and your thumbs under these straps.

    • 2

      Open and close your hand a few times to make sure that you can do so freely. If you can't do so freely, adjust your hand inside the puppet until it fits comfortably and your range of motion is adequate.

    • 3

      Move your thumb downward to open the mouth for each word that the puppet speaks. Only open your hand partially to show movements for normal speech.

    • 4

      Move your thumb downward and your fingers upward for exaggerated or loud words or phrases or for yelling.

    • 5

      Refrain from moving your hand when the puppet isn't speaking.

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