The amount of bow can be adjusted to personal requirements but it is quite slight. The tape must always be soaked in water, beer or with the performer's saliva before the Punch voice can be produced. In use the instrument is held at the back of the tongue, right back near the root, and is pressed up against the soft palate by the tongue so the voice is directed through the reed. When the performer is speaking in any voice other than that of Punch, the tongue is relaxed allowing the swazzle to fall away from the palate so the voice speaks over the instrument and not through it. Breath is inhaled through the nose at all times since a quick intake of air through the mouth can dislodge the swazzle when it is resting on the tongue in the relaxed position.
Some people find that they can master the basics of talking through the swazzle quite rapidly.
Most people despair that they will ever get the knack. You have to persevere. Commence by letting your mouth get used to the sensation of an alien object. Pop the instrument in your mouth and the go about your business. See how long you can keep it in.