"Mic" as opposed to "mike" is relatively new, but now very common, in the US as well as over in your area. Of course, at my advanced age, anything that has developed since the early 1970's seems "realtively new" to me!

Having an etched-in-stone set list, or even two or three of them, is a good way to start. I'm sure that as you gradually develop more and more confidence, you'll gradually find yourself able to relax more and vary your selection of songs to a greater and greater degree.

For what it's worth, the Neutral Ground Coffee House in uptown New Orelans has Open Mic everey Sunday starting at 7pm. If you're ever able to make it, be sure to give me some advance notice!