Dedicated To My Dad

It's been a while since I've written, as my father (who had been ill for a couple of years), passed away on Saturday, November 25th. He was 75.

I am dedicating this blog entry to him - Richard "Dick" Cornell.

My dad grew up in the 1930's and came from humble means. But even though his family did not have a lot financially, he always had a motto to "do your best." And, that's what he did. He (along with my mom) raised 4 kids. There were times when he worked 3 jobs just to make sure we all had food on the table and a roof over our heads.

He was tall (6' 4") and very athletic. He looked intimidating if you did not know him.

But, he was in reality a quiet man, never showing or expressing much emotion to any of us in the family. But as I look back now, I know that he showed us his love by what he did for us, not by what he said.

He always "did his best" and just by watching him do that over the years, I'm sure it influenced me and helped me achieve whatever level of success I now enjoy.

Does this have anything to do with ventriloquism? Absolutely.

People ask me all of the time how long it takes to become a ventriloquist. They want me to tell them they can learn after a couple of practice sessions.

It all depends on whether you're willing to "do your best" or not. I see people who take my course (or other instruction) and "do their best," and become very good in a relatively short period of time. And they continually work to get better and better as the years go by.

But, more often I see people who fool around with learning and end up being very mediocre or very poor ventriloquists.

They blame their lack of getting better or booking jobs on other factors - "It was a bad audience," "My material was over their heads," "So and so moves their lips, so it's OK if I do." I've heard all of the excuses.

Am I the best ventriloquist in the world? Hardly. But I always try to do what my dad always told me - "Do your best." I take responsibility for how good or bad my technique, show, etc. is and I always try to do better. That would have been how my dad wanted it.

Do your best. Try it.

I'll miss you dad.