Singing isn’t just about perfect technique—it’s about communication and connecting with your audience. The best performances make people feel something, and this lesson focuses on how to sing with genuine emotion to elevate your performance. Here are five tips to help you achieve that.

Choose a Song You Connect With

Pick a song that resonates with you personally. The more meaningful it is, the easier it will be to convey genuine emotion. If you’re assigned a song you don’t feel connected to, use acting techniques to create those connections and build a character.

Identify Someone to Sing To

Most songs are directed toward or about someone. Choose a real person in your life to sing to—whether it’s a romantic partner, friend, family member, or even yourself. This helps make your performance more grounded and meaningful.

Sing as if Saying the Words for the First Time

Avoid letting rehearsals make the lyrics feel stale. Imagine you’re speaking the words in a real conversation, thinking through them as you go. Pay attention to how each verse transitions emotionally into the chorus or the next verse, and imagine the reaction of the person you’re singing to.

Have a Reason for Repetition

Repetition is common in music, but it’s rarely random in conversation. Make each repetition purposeful—whether for emphasis, clarification, or another reason. Subtle changes in phrasing, dynamics, or melody can keep it fresh.

Speak the Words First

Treat the lyrics like a poem or monologue. Speaking them naturally helps determine where to emphasize, pause, or breathe. Use those patterns as a guide when singing.

To practice, try applying these tips to the jazz classic Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Focus on natural phrasing, emotional transitions, and purposeful repetition to bring the song to life.