Select the songs you'd like to perform. Make sure they are in your vocal range. Compile the songs onto a disc or digital listening device and take them along with you wherever you go.
Drink plenty of water before you sing. It's extremely important to stay hydrated when you are a singer. It will keep your voice more relaxed and help you stay in range.
Practice "vocal bubbling" exercises. This is achieved by sitting upright and relaxing your lips. Push one basic note through your lips to make them vibrate or "bubble;" much like the exhale a snoring person might make. Notice the way your lips vibrate when you say the word bubble. Continue on, much like a child would do when imitating the sound of a car engine, so that you can achieve a rolling "b" sound. This exercise does wonders and you can never do it too much.
Rehearse your chosen songs whenever you possibly can. While driving, doing the dishes, during your free time, and of course, in the shower. You want to know and feel these songs like the back of your hands. Sing along to the versions you have copied, as well as without any musical accompaniment, which is helpful for memorization purposes. There is no such thing as practicing too much.
Visualize yourself performing onstage, especially while singing in the shower with the soothing steam, privacy and great amplification. The power of visualization is extremely intense, and every time you can lose yourself in the special songs you've selected and have been rehearsing, you inch closer to letting go onstage.
Project your singing voice to a great distance while driving in the car or at home. Focus on a distant object, such as a streetlight, and sing as though you are singing only to that object. This isn't necessarily about volume, but rather culling the voice within the depths of your soul and letting it be heard as far as possible.
Compile your set list, if you are to be performing a number of songs. Make sure your strongest songs open and close your set. You want to kick off the show with your most polished number, and end with an equally impressive song, which should be the longest song in the set. If you are singing one or two karaoke songs, study three or four to perfection, so as not to duplicate a song previously performed.
Pick out an outfit that really makes you feel confident. Depending on the genre of music you have focused on, this could be a classy black dress, a comfortable floral print, a loose suit, or even jeans and your favorite t-shirt. If it's a bejeweled full length gown, wear it as though you do so daily, it will make you feel relaxed and your audience will respond to this attitude.
Introduce yourself before your performance begins. Whether you are fronting your own band or singing at a Karaoke bar, greet the audience with your name and a smile. This will accomplish two things in one breath: show your listeners that you are confident and prepared, and allow you to audibly check your sound level before you begin singing. If you are in your own band, you will need to do a sound check before the performance to adjust the levels on your stage monitors, among other things.
Make eye contact while you begin your first song, and continue to do so throughout your entire performance. This exudes ultimate confidence, and people will immediately respond to this. If there is somebody special in the audience that is feeling happy and proud of you, show them your appreciation by focusing on them briefly with a smile and a wink.
Display the deep emotion you have for each song through your voice and facial expression. This comes across quite strongly in your vocal performance. If the song is sad, sing as though you are crying. If a joyful song, smile big and bright while you are singing and clap along.
Tell a story about the song you are about to sing. It will really draw people's attention, whether you are relating a personal story about it, praising the person who inspired you, or making a comical reference. People enjoy a personal touch and communication during a live performance. Keep it brief, and dive right into the song with vigor. When ending your performance, be sure to thank the audience, repeat your name, and say your farewell.