A description of a specific successful singing session is in the notes from "Songs from the Golden Fleece" on the Musical Traditions magazine (UK) site. I wrote to Rod Stradling because I was trying to relocate that description. He added these comments on the topic:

To which I would add: A singer in these circumstances can say, with justification, "Well, you've heard me sing that better, and you've heard me sing it worse, too. And I'm pretty sure you'll hear me sing it even better still - maybe next time!" And you would know that this is as true for you as it is for them.

Further, if we're talking of tips - treat the session and the songs seriously. We never permit anyone to sing from a book or word sheet ... "If you don't know the song properly, don't insult us with your half-arsed version of it! Go home and do your work properly!"

~ B in T