by Sara J. Petersen

Created on: December 04, 2009   Last Updated: December 05, 2009

Karaoke maybe one of the hardest forms of singing to improve on because we all want to make the song sound just like it does on the radio. It takes a lot of guts, but it's totally worth it. Contained in this article are a few things to do that will help your pop/country voice.

Talk talk talk: One of the big ways to prepare yourself for a performance is to do scales saying the word 'talk.' Singing the word talk tricks your brain into talking. Your 'pop voice' is a form of talking on pitch used for pop, country, and broadway music. Tricking your mind makes it suddenly easier to reach both low and high notes. Practice this in the shower, driving down the road, or whenever you can, and it will help you sound like a pro.

Keep your voice warm: There are a plethora of warm-ups out there, and each has a purpose. The siren, and the motor-boat are two that work quite well for karaoke. Just find a quiet bathroom stall or go out to your car and 'let er rip. Warming up can be over done, so feel how it is affecting your vocal chords. If you start to itch or hurt a little before you even start singing, you won't want to push it so hard next time.

Don't drink dairy: Don't have dairy products less than twenty-four hours before singing. Dairy products create mucus which clogs the vocal chords. Dairy is a sure path to disaster, as no amount of clearing your throat is sure to clean it out before you start singing.

Clean the airways: About half an hour before you hit the stage, drink something warm, or carry a bottle of lemon water with you. Lemon water and warm drinks soothe and clean your throat. You should also stay hydrated. Its harder to sing when your throat is drying out. Keep it clean.

Don't smoke: This one can not be emphasized enough. If you want to sound like a professional, you can't risk ruining your vocal chords. Many a talented singer has fallen prey to this fatal mistake. Smoking not only makes it hard while you perform, but over time can actually coat and destroy the delicate tissue that makes you able to sing loud and clear.

Relax: Find a way to relax. If you are relaxed on stage you will not only be able to sing better, but you will be able to entertain better. Half the fun of singing karaoke is seeing the people in the audience jump up to sing along. Here are a few ideas of how to find that happy place. 1. Love your audience. Remember that these people want you to succeed. They're not just waiting for you to mess up. They're your friends. 2. Remember that you have a gift to offer. Even if you're an amateur, you are giving them entertainment, and whether or not they like it is their problem. 3. Be prepared. Its much easier to stay calm, if you already have some songs memorized, and know what kind of movements you will do on stage for the songs. You don't need to have a fully choreographed, perfectly practiced routine. You just need to know what you're doing so you don't freeze up when you're in front of everyone.

In conclusion, be yourself, and learn what you can. There is much more information out there about improving your pop voice, and becoming a good entertainer. Keep working on it and it will come.

Learn more about this author, Sara J. Petersen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.