So you have found yourself at the local bar where they just started a karaoke night. All your friends have signed up for a fun anthem to belt out over the sound system, and you find yourself trying to muster up the courage and the voice just to ask where the song book is. You no longer have to fear singing in front of all those admiring peers. I have collaborated a list of tips that is bound to help you in your karaoke song conquests.

Picking the Right Song

The number one thing to remember not to do when trying to make an impression: picking a song totally out of realm or character. If this is your first time singing karaoke, choose a song that you like, know and can try to carry a tune to. Finding a song that is right for your singing style is key. Try to pick a song within your vocal abilities, this will decrease your anxiety as well as make you sound the best you possibly can.

Be Comfortable

Ever wonder how some people just seem to have that poise, that stage presence that so many are attracted to? They are comfortable and you should be too. Remember karaoke is a way to get out of yourself and be a star. If you have a hard time standing on stage, try asking the KJ (karaoke jockey) if there are other places besides the stage to do your first number. This should give you the extra vote of confidence your next time around.

Don’t Drink and Shout

A common complaint amongst karaoke bar workers is a really drunk, obnoxiously loud singer. People often feel they need to get really intoxicated in order to overcome the stage fright, however this normally just makes you shout, slur your words, and even forget the words as they scroll across the screen in front of you. And since you want to really participate in the singing fun, avoid the drunken karaoke parodies.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

The only way to really fine tune and mature your voice is by stepping out of the usual. Try new songs that you find yourself lip-syncing in the car on the way home or to the office. A new fun way to step things up is by playing karaoke kamikaze. This is where songs are randomly picked and then sung. There’s a less intrusive method of rotating some new songs around – ask the KJ to take down a list of songs you do normally, along with a couple new ones and randomize them. This way you don’t know which song is coming up, forcing you to take the challenge.

Practice Makes Perfect

Just like your old coach used to say, practice really does perfect whatever talent you are trying to hone in on. Singing comes naturally to a few, but for the rest of us, we need those practice sessions in the shower or in a traffic delay during the commute. If you don’t have the best vocals, at least work on rhythm and timing, which is sure to improve your performance.

Have Fun!

Last but not least is have some fun. The worst thing you could possibly do is not have some enjoyment. If you wind up at a karaoke bar and just “don’t feel it,” then by all means sit and watch the other singers. It’s all about having fun, so don’t fret!