Bert, I agree that there's nothing like being on stage to learn how to be on stage. I always say I don't really know a song until I've taken it on stage. What I do know before I walk on stage, however, is the chords, the words, and the arrangement. Those are the basics that people should have ready when they go on stage. I also agree that venues should encourage beginners. Where would any of us be if that wasn't the case? However, I think that, when it comes to performing, people who don't know the words or chords and/or haven't thought about how to communicate them are not even at the beginning performer stage. I have no problem being supportive and encouraging people who are new at performing. I can also tell the difference between beginner's stage fright or inexperience at performing and not having bothered to put together a performance-quality piece of music.

People who can't sing in tune should enjoy singing at home with their friends. People who are boring performers should seek out audiences who are more interested in the song and are able to ignore the performance of it. People who can't play guitar chords fluidly should practice, practice, practice.