I completely agree, Allan.

Personally, I far prefer to perform without any kind of prompts, no matter whether at a singaround, or a 'proper' performance, I believe my ability to 'do' a song is enhanced without having the prompt-paraphernalia there, but I do have problems retaining some lyrics, so I resort to my iPad.

If I'm using it, I do exactly the same as if I was using paper prompts or working from memory - I know in advance before the evening begins what song(s) I intend to do, I put them in an Onsong Set-list, and they're cued-up ready to go. Whilst I'm playing and singing, I try to refer to the iPad as infrequently as possible, keep my head up, and make contact with the audience.

As I said elsewhere, I have my songs set up to fit one page, and in a legible (for me) font-size. A good pair of varifocals helps too! 😄

It's a tool and, like all tools, it works best in skilled hands and used properly. Just takes practice (and a little nous!