Q&A for How to Improve Stage Presence As a Lead Singer

To make even the simplest actions and songs heartbreakingly beautiful, don't focus on hiding your nerves, anger, or whatever else you might be dealing with. Instead of focusing on smiling, showing everything is okay, and communicating that you're a performer with a capital P, just allow yourself to be emotionally transparent with your audience. This authenticity will go a long way towards making you a better performer.

Try changing the inflection on words and emphasizing phrases in the song to add your own personality to it. Keep the audience engaged by involving them with crowd chants, clapping, or dancing.

Not likely. If it happens, though, and you're quick enough, catch it and throw it back!

Learn from it. Analyze what went wrong and don't make the same mistake again. Also, remember that, while people are watching you, they're still focused on themselves. Your bad performance will be forgotten, so don't dwell on it.

The last thing you want to do is look like a statue. Try using hand gestures and maybe even dance to the song you're singing to show you're having a good time.

When you have stage fright, you tend to forget quite a lot of the lyrics, in some of the worst cases you even start the song at the wrong tempo. You might also shake, go blank and feel weak or anxious.

During practices, try to be open minded, and try the songs he suggests several times before giving up. Eventually, he will realize what songs you do best in, and which ones you are not capable of doing.

Even if your friends shout out your name, you must remain focused because there are plenty of other people in the audience who aren't your friends and paid to have a good concert performance without you seeming distracted. When you are more confident, you'll learn how to smile and wave to known people without interrupting the song. In short, try not to get more excited than your audience.

Just remember how much you love to sing! Trust me, your family will look at this as a wonderful surprise!

Try to sing scales ("do re mi fa so la ti do"). You can also hum a simple tune such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or "Happy Birthday."

Ask if they are enjoying the music. If things are going well, they should respond with a big yes! Keep going and give them all you have. Some folks simply come to hear good music. Don't take it personally.

Well, if you want to break something, sure. Seriously, though, the drama is probably not worth the risk.

First off, it's best to not make any major changes to your set list right before performing. This may make you more nervous and can lead to mistakes. If you do change anything, you might want to get a feel for your audience and, if they seem to react well to certain types of songs, add in a few more of those. You can also try to break the ice a bit by talking with your audience between songs.

Try using duct tape. Tape the entire microphone onto the cable.

That comes from judging yourself too harshly. Just chill out and understand you are your biggest critic. If you enjoy yourself, chances are the crowd will, too.

Something like "Hey!" or "Okay, come on!" Something that will give your crowd energy. You can also say a few things before you start the show - things like "Hello New York!" or "Is everyone ready for a good time?" or something like that. If you have a brief anecdote about the place you're in, you could share that. If there's something you want to share about a song you're about to perform, you can share that. If there's a song where you want some crowd involvement, explain that to them.

They likely won't care as long as the music is good. The key is to try to work alongside your band members to create good music that allows you to stand out as lead singer in a positive way. You can also try to dress more mature-similar to the way that they are.

Don't try to directly imitate them, unless you are playing with a cover band. Instead, look at their performances and persona and try to take away a few things that you can use as inspiration. Keep your personality and unique singing skills present as well.

Take them in stride. You could sway gently, or do something such as casually straitening a hat or other part of your costume. If there is another character on stage with you, you could make eye contact, or smile. Most importantly, KEEP IT NATURAL!

Use your feet as part of the display. Guitars can be played with the upper part of your body so maybe a bit of tap dancing can be helpful.

To improve your band, try practicing more and talking to them. Maybe do something fun with them to bring you all closer. If that doesn't work, just keep practicing and doing team building exercises. To involve your online followers, try making polls or let them have some say in what you sing. Reach out to them, and include them.