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Should you sing karaoke?

Well you should probably give it a go at least once, after all the risks are low. Many suddenly discover after just one go that they've been missing out on a heap of fun and anyway, you only live once right!

There are lots of good things about singing but the first question has to be "Do you enjoy singing?" Most of us do, although singing in public can be a little scary for the uninitiated. More than likely, you've enjoyed singing in the car with the radio on or somewhere private with your favourite tune playing in the background, so for most of us this is a yes.

The next question to look at is "Will you enjoy singing karaoke?" It's all about attitude, virtually anyone can have fun doing it even if they're not that experienced at singing. You do need to accept a few things up front though:

  • No-one is paying you to sing.
  • People really don't care that much how good you are.
  • Most people are overly self critical when it comes to singing.
  • Most singers don't know the song they're singing word perfect and rely in some part on the screen as a guide.
  • Most singers miss at least a couple of notes every time they sing.
  • The other patrons realise that they're in a karaoke venue.

Now having accepted all that, it's also true to say that the RSPCA do get the odd prank tortured cat call from one of the more discerning audience members, but does it really matter. Well sure we don't want to see the RSPCA's time wasted but, other than that, does it really matter what others think about your performance? Those that focus on what they get wrong will, for sure, not enjoy the experience anywhere near as much as those that focus on just having fun. Some gigs focus more on fun than performance, so if you're just starting out or you just like enjoying yourself, go for one of these.

Most of us tend to enjoy doing the things we're good at and if you're new to karaoke you may think that you won't enjoy it that much. That's mostly not true. It's often the people who are a bit nervous who get the most out of it, especially the first time. If you go to karaoke and see someone having their first attempt, you'll often see them absolutely beaming afterwards and going to pick up the songlist and sign up for their second song which speaks volumes.

Now should you find yourself with a karaoke opportunity and you don't happen to find a song on their list that you've rehearsed, it is ok to step and have a go at something new. In my hosting experience, I've heard all the excuses, and if you sit down and really think about it (almost no-one ever wants to do that for fear of having to realise that they're copping out) I'm sure you'll agree that the following is a list of excuses;

List of "excuses" for not participating

  • I can't sing.
  • I'll clear the room
  • I'd rather dob someone else in to make them look foolish.
  • I don't know the words to the song.

If I just had a dollar for every time I heard these excuses and then got that same person singing with a big smile on their dial that same night, I would be a gazillionairre! For 99% of you excuse makers, the only reason you make up these excuses is that you don't feel confident to have a go (not that you'd admit that). Really! Come on, none of the above matters at all in the slightest. If you really cant sing at all and are completely tone deaf (less than 1% are) then you can still stand next to your friend while they sing or, you can join in with others during the chorus. To people who make the above excuses to me when I'm hosting, I just say "You dont have to sing, no-one can make you anyway! But, if you're thinking about it, why not stand there next to your friend while they sing and just hold a mike?" 90% of those people begin singing within 10 seconds after their friends begin. (no exaggerating)

List of "reasons" for not participating

  • I really don't think I'll enjoy it.
  • I've had too much to drink.
  • I'm just not in the mood to have any fun.

I'm sure there are lots of others, but you shouldn't really have to justify these free will decisions to anyone but yourself.

Lastly, you may still think that you shouldn't sing karaoke, but, lets face it, the risks are pretty low. After all, life is to be experienced and if the worst thing happens and you completely blow it, you'll probably escape alive. You'll be able to look your friends right in the eye and say, "I had a go!"