One night when I was hosting karaoke, I had a guest come up to me and ask me a question that I had never heard up to that point. The new singer mentioned that he had never been to my karaoke night before. But he wanted to ask me how much interaction I was comfortable with at the side of the stage? You see by attending other events he was aware that some karaoke hosts would make more time to chat it up with singers than other hosts would. He just wanted to know how comfortable I was, how much space I needed, and how busy was I going to be during the night should he need some assistance.

I let him know that I really appreciated where he was coming from. I assured him that I was very approachable, and that I would intentionally be in and out as fast as I could because as a host I prefer to focus on getting the next singer up to the stage (as quick as possible – that is my thing). I let him know that I do not like dead air (moments with no music or singing). I really expect the next singer to be ready to go. I say (billboard) the names of the singers who are coming up a lot, so that nobody has to wait too long. Regulars know I like to keep things moving! And I am sure being a singer he appreciated that.

But this conversation with this new singer did make me wonder how or what kind of effect I had on people? After all I have been hosting karaoke since 1987. I wondered how my bedside manner was seen as I was on and off stage? Truth be told, I stay in the pretty much in the professional emcee lane. Uh-huh, I am the MC and that means I move the crowd. I would not say I am nurturing or a nurturer. That isn’t my strength. My desire is to present the most fun. So I am working with the audience to bring that out, that is why I am there. But nurturing, no that’s not that easy or even necessary at this point. Karaoke is not new. It is a household word. It has been around people.

If you are new to it, not a problem, jump in, we will take care of you. When you think about it, you really can’t host a fast-paced interactive night of karaoke if you are having to stop, give singing lessons, have deep conversations, provide music consultations and so on… you wouldn’t be able to get anything off the ground. But wait there’s more musings from the stage: I expect if you’re in a bar, you know why you’re there, and you know how to act. Just do as the natives do. Maybe I have high expectations…lol.