Ventriloquism

I'd love some advice from anyone with experience with ventriloquism (amateur, professional, fan - all is good!). I have a minor character who uses ventriloquism to further the plot (although HE doesn't know that

From what I have read, a lot of the "magic" of ventriloquism is distraction, having your audience look at an object instead of you. Did I understand that correctly?

Have you ever used ventriloquism to fool with some friends (who were not prepared for it), and, if so, what and how did you do it?

Finally, is there such a thing as a "big voice" where you gain clarity and volume in your ventriloquism (I know when I try it, I just get a mumble), and can you train yourself to do that?

Thanks so much for any help you can offer!

Oh yes, lots of information on the web is available, but that is the problem. It is either in the "you can do it!" or "wow, look at the magic" (if there are others, I would love links). What I haven't found are personal stories of ventriloquists (especially amateur) and *how* they used it to fool friends (and if it worked). Sorry if I was unclear in the first post. I was just hoping to find someone with some personal experience.

I just feel like my character is either using ventriloquism in the way that the "you can do it!" sites promise (and I'm worried it isn't realistic), or that I will underestimate what he can do with it (he's a kid).

Thanks everyone!

@Pangalatic- your response was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much!