Tips for Singing Better Karaoke

by WillametteValleyFun.com Editor and Karaoke Afficianado Autumn W.

Have FUN! First and formost, remember that Karaoke is meant to be FUN! Enjoy yourself, choose songs that make you feel and sound good.

Choose songs that fit your vocal range. It doesn't matter if they were originally recorded by men or women... women can sing songs by men, and visa versa, and the results can be exciting... or hilarious. ;)

Ask someone to join you on stage. if you're a first-timer and are afraid to go up. They can pick up a mic, but hold it down low, and just sing along with you - even sing in your ear. Just like singing along with the radio, this can help you feel more confident and get you through the song. Besides, they'll be there to sing into the mic through the parts you forget, or don't feel comfortable singing. Before you know it, you'll want to get up there all by yourself!

Size up the crowd. If you're a veteran karaoke singer and have a wide repetoire to choose from, choose songs that you think will fit the audience. Are they a rowdy, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" crowd or a more subdued "Brown-Eyed Girl" gang?

Play to your audience. They will respond. Dance, groove, make eye contact, smile... The more fun you have, the more emotion you put into your performance, the more attention you'll get. And that's why you're up there, right? Go on... put on a show!

Hold the microphone close to your mouth... but not too close. You want good volume, but you don't want to be muffled. The microphone should be just out of reach of your lips.

RELAX. The best thing you can do for your singing voice is to let loose. Tension causes your diaphragm to tighten when you don't want it to. This restricts your breathing and makes it more difficult to sing. Take a beep breath, drop your shoulders, and smile.