I am a singing and guitar teacher and have worked with a number of songwriters and singer guitarists My perspective is both as a teacher and member of the audience

1 The minute you step on stage you are a PERFORMER This means establishing and keeping a rapport with the audience who may have paid to see you

2 Soundhole sniffers are a no no to me You must be able to face your audience and communicate clearly the lyrics and melody of the song to me Otherwise I am heading for the bar or the loo

3 You must communicate between songs ie speak to the audience clearly keep their attention Lengthy tunings are a turnoff unless you can do it while talking Martin Carthy is brilliant at this

4 Check out your set - ie too many songs in the same rhythm - chord sequence - same place on the guitar - same mood and the audience will turn off Monitor which songs which work and in which environment. In London there are several circuits, Blues - acoustic - folk country and pubs where live music is played. You need material for each venue

5 Most male performers are guitarist singers. To be effective learn to control your guitar skill and concentrate on the whole performance ie brilliant or difficult guitar breaks with bad singing can have a negative effect . Guitarists might admire it - the rest of the audience may not Bad singing is not just about vocal quality its lack of communication with the audience