1. The Golden Rule: The "Downward-Pointing Thumb"
This is the number one mistake beginners make. When we speak, it’s our lower jaw that moves, not the top of our head!
- The mistake: Opening your hand like a pair of tongs (the top of the head tilts backward). The puppet looks up at the ceiling with every syllable.
- The technique: Keep your top four fingers flat. Use only your thumb to press down and make the character speak.
2. The Gaze (The "Focus")
The audience doesn't look at the puppet; they look at what the puppet is looking at. It is the nose that directs the gaze.
2. The puppet looks at the camera (the audience).
3. The puppet speaks ("Oh, an apple!").
If you're filming a video, make sure the puppet's nose is pointing directly at the camera lens when it's speaking to the audience.
3. Posture and Gravity
A Living Puppet is made of soft fabric. Without you, it looks like an empty sock. You have to give it a skeleton and some weight.
- The spine: Keep your right forearm straight. Bend your wrist slightly forward to create a curve in your neck.
- Weight (Bobbing): When she walks, make her bounce slightly to simulate the impact of her footsteps on the ground. Don't make her glide through the air like a ghost!
4. Lip Sync
When it comes to video, this is crucial. You shouldn't open your mouth for every syllable, or it will sound mechanical ("Click-clack").
The sliding technique
Keep your mouth open for vowels and strong sounds (A, O, È). Close it (or almost close it) for consonants that close the mouth (M, B, P).
Tip: Start the opening motion a split second before the sound comes out.
5. Breathing
A motionless puppet on screen looks "dead." Even when it isn't speaking, it has to come alive!
- Breathing: Move your arm very gently up and down to simulate chest breathing.
- Listening: When the other character is speaking, the puppet should look at them, nod, or tilt its head.