Along with the common fear of performing in front of a crowd is the uncertainty of how the process works. Read on for some common sense guidelines to "Karaoke get along".

I've read many lists of rules about how to get along in the karaoke world. I have compiled my own list of Do's and Don'ts. I would consider my list for of a guideline to fun and entertainment then I would rules. My bottom line - be considerate!

Applause - Yes please:
Applause is part of the reward for "exposing" yourself. A silent room can be devasting to a person's self esteem. Please don't contribute to that! I'm not suggesting that everyone receive the same level of applause (wouldn't that be dull). I'm only suggesting that not acknowledging the performer at all is considered poor manners.

Dancing - Yes:
Assuming a dance floor exists. This is a great way of letting the singer know that you enjoy their entertainment. If you're the singer, keep it modest. If the dancing affects your song you have no business doing it.

Rowdy Behavior - No:
Don't be rude. I've seen it all. Excessive noise that drowns out the singer. Hollering insults at the singer (which usually indicates one's own sense of inadequacy). Throwing drinks. Fights. Do I really have to say it's rude?

My experience shows this is usually a result of sloppy drunkeness. My recommendation - complain to the bartender. They will likely ask the person to leave.

Moving around during a performance - be careful:
This is a tough one. Again, think about what you are doing and try to be considerate. Do not walk in front of the monitor. Do not walk in front of the singer. And, never loiter in front of any part of the audience.

Joining a singer - depends:
Nothing makes me enjoy my song more then when the audience joins in. If you enjoy the song feel free to join in the chorus. If you feel you must sing during the melody simply be considerate and sing quietly.

However, do not join the singer on stage without asking permission from the singer. I've seen people do this, I suspicion to defeat the rotation setup by the KJ. You shouldn't join to take over the melody but rather to sing harmony, backups, etc. I've had people join me before that add tremendous value to the song.

Rotation - understand it:
All KJ's have a rotation plan. I've heard some people complain that KJ's invite their friends and monopolize the mic. Personally, I have not seen this. If I found any KJ following this practice I would never return and you would certainly write a negative article about that KJ (fair warning).

Generally, rotation is how the KJ establishes the order in which singers perform. Typically first come, first served. The end of the rotation is often marked by the KJ singing a song of their own. In this rotation, you will see that you will always sing after a particular person. This changes depending on how the KJ introduces new singers into the rotation. Some KJs enter them at the top of the next rotation. Others enter them within the rotation at "reasonable" intervals.

If you don't understand the rotation for a particular KJ, feel free to ask them to explain how they do it during a break.

Reprinted with kind permission of
Dale Christensen