Pick a well-known song. Don’t make it something that other people in the bar might not know or something so fast, you won’t be able to keep up with. It’s always more fun when the crowd sings along.

Don’t do it alone. Dragging a friend with you will not only aid in the decrease of your embarrassment, but the increase in theirs.

Sing loud and proud. Nobody is expecting you to be an American Idol winner here. It’s OK if you miss a few words or hit a sour note. Considering the location of karaoke machines, (usually in bars) the majority of the crowd will most likely be preoccupied.

Have fun with it. Dance around, make faces and sing to people in the crowd. The whole point is to have fun. So make it enjoyable, even if your friends forced you to do it.

Don’t hog the microphone. Sing your heart out when it’s your turn, but give other people a chance. Save your vocals for mingling.

Follow the lyrics on the monitor. It will help keep you on beat and guide you through the song during parts you don’t know.