When performing, we often think about hitting the right note or the lyrics. But even perfect technique won't save you: a keen eye will always spot a beginner.

Here are 5 rules, the violation of which immediately gives away an inexperienced artist:

1. No wedding rings.
Good etiquette for artists is to leave wedding rings, watches, and other everyday items backstage. This can prevent you from getting into character and the audience from believing what's happening on stage, especially if the song is dramatic and requires serious transformation.

2. Wait for applause. During a performance, it's important to transform into the character of the song's lyrical hero. But when can you become yourself again? The ideal moment is the applause. It serves as a true dividing line between the story on stage and real life. Only after it can you start smiling and bowing to the audience.

3. Change of shoes is mandatory.
Some may find this surprising, but I've often seen people on stage at vocal competitions during warm weather without a change of shoes. This is unacceptable both from an aesthetic perspective (shoes may show traces of the street) and a hygienic one (dust on stage can cause breathing problems for vocalists and dirty costumes for dancers).

4. Learn to work with a microphone.
Unfortunately, many vocalists don't know how this device works, even though it appeared back in the 19th century. If you plan to perform on stage, find out in advance what equipment will be at the venue and rehearse your number with a microphone. If half the song your face isn't visible and the sound isn't audible, no one will call such a performance professional.

5. Don't sing about the heart with your hand on your chest.
A very common mistake in stagecraft, especially among children (though children are usually forgiven for it), is demonstrating with gestures what is being sung about at that moment. Singing about the sun and pointing to the sky, about the heart and putting your hand on your chest — there's nothing better to make your performance as primitive and uninteresting for the listener as possible.

Do you make such mistakes on stage? Share in the comments!