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Karaoke is a wonderful alternative for singers (whether amateur or professional) to perform. Although it doesn't require a live backing group, thus saving on long rehearsals, lots of equipment and frayed nerves, it demands a very important factor: a good voice.
But, if you're still making squeaks, squawks and miscues during your time behind the mike, you can practice the following steps to improve your voice:

First, lie down on your back, preferably on the floor or ground. Sing a note and hold it; you'll feel it coming from your diaphragm, just as it should be. Now, while you're down there, try singing some lyrics to one of your favorite songs. Don't force the sound or try to "punch it up"; just let it come naturally. This is what you want to accomplish while singing with your karaoke machine; you should sing from your diaphragm rather than your lungs or throat.

Secondly, remember that a bit of nasal resonance helps. While you were lying on the floor, did you notice that your sinuses seemed a bit "clearer" when you sang? Once again, by singing from your diaphragm rather than your lungs or throat, you're not "clogging up" - and you feel a bit more relaxed. Combining those qualities makes your voice a bit louder, clearer, and you're able to emote more.

Thirdly, remember to be patient - especially when you're practicing! Not many people do the song perfectly on the first try. If you're persistent, however, it'll happen. And, listen ... if you do make a mistake or forget the words, why not just improvise or ad-lib until you get to the part you remember? Not only will the audience appreciate it, but you'll learn how to "work the crowd" in the process. That only makes you more polished!

Fourthly, be sure to learn good microphone techniques! All too often, the inexperienced karaoke singer will be too close to the mic itself, and their singing becomes much louder than the pre-recorded music. If you have your own microphone, make sure it's an omnidirectional one (meaning it can pick up your voice from any direction) instead of unidirectional (which means you'd have to keep the pic directly in front of you at all times). For best placement, stand at least six inches from the mic and have it pointed somewhere between your nose and top lip (this is to prevent "pops"). If possible, try to get just a tiny bit of "reverb" on the mic so your voice won't sound flat against the professional background music.

The fifth step is obvious: You need to be sure about your timing. It's easy to sing one of your favorites while no one's watching, but when you're in front of a karaoke machine and performing before an audience, you might find yourself singing ahead of or behind the music. The best way to combat that is just to make your foot the "metronome" and tap it along with the rhythm - then sing according to that rhythm. Most importantly, remember that "practice makes perfect!" Never stop practicing, even if you don't have a gig lined up!

Sixthly, Be sure to make eye contact with parts of your audience. Since you already know what your shoes look like, why stare at them? If you're shy and have a problem looking at members of your audience, just imagine a point between their eyebrows and look there! You won't have to make eye contact, but it'll certainly "look" that way!

It's really not hard to improve your singing voice as well as your presence behind a microphone. In fact, if you follow these steps, you'll have a tremendous karaoke experience. Moreover, you'll learn some techniques in dealing with people as well! So, any way you look at it, you're bound to come out a winner!

Learn more about this author, Chuck Hinson.
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