When I began singing in public, in small coffee house venues mostly, I was an awkward, shy and pretty insecure young fellow of around 17 and 18. My performances tended to be quiet and introspective. I had no formal training in either performance or in music - I was totally self-taught. I tended to let audience distractions bother me. Over time, watching others perform and having people tell me I needed to "connect" more with the audience, I got over simply doing it for myself and started to reach out and share with them. You'll find your own way.

One small piece of advice I never forgot came from an old entertainer with whom I had a chance meeting. He said, "Dare to be ridiculous." He didn't mean that I needed to be silly on stage, but that it helps to "let it all hang out," as we said in the sixties, and enjoy the synergy between you and the folks out there. Of course, if there isn't any, you might want to re-examine your choices...