Choose an aria that showcases your range and offers a message to which you can relate. Most performers find it easier to sing something that offers a sense of reality. An effective performance should come from your heart, not your head.
Study the translation. It is crucial to understand the song's meaning in order to convey it effectively to an audience.
Listen to other performers singing the aria you choose. This can give you a fresh look at the nuances within the song and can provide you with additional interpretations of the piece.
Attend a live performance for inspiration. This will allow you to watch others and observe how they use body language and nonverbal cues to enhance the performance.
Use a coach to help you refine your technique.
Warm up prior to singing. It is important to prepare not only your vocal chords, but also the other muscles in your body that are used during singing. Stretch your upper body completely and perform deep-breathing exercises to get ready to sing the aria.
Practice as often as possible. As the old saying goes, "practice makes perfect." The only way to convey sincerity and emotion in your performance is to practice so much that it becomes part of you. Try Cantolopera, which is an online resource that provides you with the background music you need to rehearse (see Resources below).
Sing the aria in front of a mirror or record your performance. This will help you alter your method of presentation if needed.