Karaoke Forums

I will freely admit (and have done on stage during performances) that I have all the stage presence of a baked potato. When I am on stage, I just seem to focus on singing the song and can't seem to let go.

It isn't a confidence thing, I love getting up and singing and will do so as many times as I can during the night. Hell, on quiet nights the KJ will come and tell my sister and I that she is short of tickets and needs help because she knows we are happy to get up. I also regularly make jokes, usually at my own expense because I don't mind playing the fool. The way I see it, especially when there are people who seem to be lacking a bit of confidence, if I make a tit of myself, they are less likely to feel embarrassed themselves.

So tell me (if it is knowledge that can be told), how exactly does one develop a presence on stage?

I feel your pain. I used to sing in bands, and I had plenty of stage presence in that medium. However, I find that the same thing you would expect from the front man of a band is viewed as cocky/diva on the karaoke stage. The patrons almost expect the singer to just sing. This is my experience not only at my venue where I'm the KJ, but at several other venues where I'm the singer. It's a strange dynamic. Sometime, a singer comes along that you just can't deny their talent and stage presence, and everyone is forced to respect the performance, but for the most part, anyone that tries to work the stage is pretty much mocked.

I can't exactly explain it, but that's my experience. I think maybe it has to do with the fact that there are LOTS of egos among karaoke singers, even those that aren't particularly good singers. Same thing that's at work in a karaoke contest. Those that don't win pull the claws out! Karaoke regulars typically DO NOT want to be upstaged!

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C Mc
KJ, FL

I know that well. When my sister and I first started doing karaoke at the old venue, there was a small crew that used to hang out there. One of the girls in particular had quite a following and she was a bloody good singer.

Then we turned up one day, handing out high-fives, clapping and cheering everyone, singing as many songs as we could and generally having a laugh (or being a nuisance as she obviously saw it). I think by the end of our first month as regulars, her and her crew just stopped coming.

The owners of the pub commented a few times about it but never really complained as we brought a bigger crowd of mates and unlike some of the clique's peripheral hangers on, we never caused any problems. Unless having to call out an ambulance on Halloween a problem but that is another story and I've already gone OT enough here.

I agree with TopherM and it isn't just during karaoke shows. I used to do gigs where I would sing to backing music. Usually it would be a happy hour two hour gig. I also still perform at wedding receptions and the like. Moving like a lead singer in a band just doesn't work in that setting. At least not for me. I find that smiling, using some hand gestures and projecting an appearance as if I am having fun is usually all that is "allowed" in both situations. For the happy hours. I'd use two bar stools. One for me and one for the laptop. The mixer mounted to the mic stand. I'd simply sit on the bar stool and do my thing. Some loyal fans came and sat at tables up front, some sort a paid attention from the bar and some didn't seem to pay attention at all. A band has a lot more to captivate the audience and a lone singer can't make up for that.

Well I'm no expert, but I will tell you what works for me personally

1. Sing songs you actually ENJOY singing and that fit your style, ability/vocal range comfortably

2. Ocasionally try something out of your comfort zone to force you to improve, but do not be afraid to completely fail, look foolish

3. Smile. You'd be amazed at how well a simple smile will get others involved in your preformance

4. don't take yourself too seriously. If you completely fail on a song, it's ok.. it's not the end of the world

Cheers JClay.

I enjoy all the songs I sing. In almost all cases, if I don't enjoy it, I won't try it in the first place.

I am always challenging myself. I try to do at least 1 new song every session to expand my repertoire and my abilities. Most of my songs tend to be pop tunes, a bit of rock and a few ballads. Some songs work for me, others don't, some make for bad karaoke tunes despite being songs I love (I'm looking at you Sail by AWOLNATION, you let me down big time).

I have even had others request songs, which always feels strange to me. I even had one guy tell me that he likes it when I come down because I mix it up a bit and he never knows what he's gonna get (which is my intention). I am not big on some people who only ever sing one or two songs week in and week out. I mean, I get it and I appreciate anyone who takes the mic but c'mon people, you can do better than this.

I was once sent a challenge in the form of one of those stupid Facebook clickbait quizzes. It was entitled, What Song Should You Actually Be Singing at Karaoke and I was dared to sing my result. My friend had done the quiz a couple of times and got awful results so she didn't expect me to go through with it. My result was Ignition by R Kelly, which is not really something that I would choose to listen to myself but turned out to be a lot of fun to sing. I have actually added it to my list of semi-regular, silly evening songs and it usually gets me a few laughs or at least some strange looks from new guys when I start singing it. I am white, 6' 4" with a shaved head, a rubbish goatee that I sport so I don't look 16 years old despite being in my early 30s and I wear a fisherman's bucket hat, yet here I am singing what classes as RnB these days.

I am never afraid to look like a fool (see above anecdote). I have also been known (as I said in another thread) to sing a bit of Lady Gaga or some Taylor Swift. The way I see it, if I am the biggest idiot in the place, there is no excuse for others who think it will be too embarrassing to try it out for themselves.

My lack of presence doesn't come from lack of confidence or ability (that was my trumpet you heard there) I just don't know what to do with myself on stage other than sing.

Thanks for the advice, I will try to implement what I can of it on Saturday.

Most karaoke participants that I've witnessed have nervously twitched while staring a hole through the lyric screen. This is understandable as most folks are quite uncomfortable in the spotlight so to speak.

If you know the song you are singing it is much easier to engage your audience. Memorize lyrics, learn the timing and pitch, and your comfort level will increase by leaps and bounds!

To look folks in the eyes for even a few seconds goes a long way! And simple, even subtle gesticulations can really help 'sell' you and the song. IMHO

Isn't that spelled with a "t". It worked for Micheal Jackson