... is one of the songs I'm singing tomorrow that my band has made. Well I guess I'm nervous, there's going to be best of 200 people there, and I've never sung in public before. In fact, I've not sung out to anyone since before last wednesday.

Two problems:
1. Nerves
2. What to do while singing.

I'm really nervous. And what am I supposed to do with my arms and feet etc while singing? It's not really a dancy or ROCK on tune, it's just a gentil sort of rock tune. The most I could do is jingle along and tap my foot... Any ideas to help either?

Thanks!

Rule number one is to relax. Just like with anything else, you'll perform better if you're not stressed out. As for the arms and feet - don't worry too much about it. It's about the music first. Concentrate on that, and once you gain some experience performing in front of crowds, you'll be more comfortable on stage, and I'm sure the rest will come naturally.

it's all about having fun. if you're having a blast on stage, everyone watching will have a blast as well. show some presence and don't be shy! you're on stage, people are there to see -you-. might as well make it worthwhile. I know all the times i had to play live i went wild, and it made the audience feel closer to me.

I'll try and remember that, I'm real nervous already though...

It's mostly that we haven't ever had a proper microphone to practise with, so I've never actually song that loudly compared to the band, but we'll actually be focusing on me this time. I don't know if my singing's all together that great

Well you can always fall back on a Robert Plant. Just uh, don't wear jeans that tight.

2.)Go nuts, go however the music moves you. Things that may seem odd to you, may be interpereted as "cool" to other people. IE. Jim Morrison's crazy dancing, or the lead singer in Jethro Tull's wierd leg thing.

But if you get too wierded out by yourself, or think the crowd is getting wierded out, it really helps to have a tambourine or something handy to make it seem like you're doing something.

And if you're looking for something to do while singing, wrap yourself around your mic stand and sing :P. You should be alright after you get your arms busy doing something.

1.) When I'm performing, I usually just tend to try and block them out. I just imagine it's a rehersal and there isn't an audience. For me the hard part isn't being in front of people, it's thinking about the people in the audience,especially if I know them. I'll crack a smile or something, or laugh, really is a nasty habit.

Maybe sit on a chair or stool if it is a soft song...or on the floor/stage.

Also, I would agree with relax, but that isn't exactly a thing you can do (not like moving a leg or an arm). The best thing to do then is to simply go out there and do it. As long as you've practiced sufficiently and know how to sing this thing, don't worry about making mistakes. Mistakes make songs interesting, as long as they are varied. Most people in the audience will never even know the difference.