Many singers are often confused when it comes to 'correct etiquette' at an audition. The problem is though, this so-called 'correct etiquette' can and does vary from audition to audition, depending on who's judging.

So, here are some general pointers on how you can best prepare yourself for an audition, place yourself in the best possible 'light' for your judges and get the most out of your audition experience.

• Choose appropriate repertoire. For example, if you're auditioning for 'Idol', prepare a contemporary song. Going in with an Operatic aria, will indeed show them that you know how to sing, but will also show them you are not confident enough with contemporary repertoire. 'Idol' is a contemporary music competition, so present with contemporary music. If you're auditioning for 'Chicago', don't rock up ready to sing a Nickleback song. It just won't work! Bottom line, audition in the style of the 'role' you are attempting to obtain.

• Be Prepared. Whatever you are singing make sure you are fully prepared! If you are not, that door is wide open for incidents such as forgetting your words or feeling overly apprehensive towards your ability to pull off the audition successfully and professionally. Know your stuff backwards, upside-down and inside-out. Never take shortcuts because the pro's will know.

• Choose appropriate clothing. If you want to be taken seriously, don't wear a Chicken suit! If it's a 'show', wear something 'presentably casual' and take a change of clothes that you can dance in, act in and possibly do some floor work in. I'd suggest a simple (but clean) tracksuit or dance wear.

• Make sure you're well rested. Get an early night, the evening before your audition. Try not to over-do things in the week leading up to your performance so that your body is healthy, alert and has the stamina to get you through what can sometimes be an extremely long day. During the audition process, particularly if you get call-backs, make sure you eat well, remain hydrated and get plenty of rest. At the same time, you need to allow space in your schedule for rehearsing any parts, songs or excerpts the 'judges' may have given you.

• Make sure you're hydrated. This doesn't mean drink a gallon of water on the day of your audition, but rather, make sure you are well hydrated always! It takes more than a few hours for the body to come out of a dehydrated state, if you haven't been drinking enough water for the previous few days.

• Warm up before you arrive and arrive early to the audition venue so that you can warm up again. It doesn't take your voice long to cool down and return to it's pre-singing slumber, so keep the voice awake by having a couple of warm-ups at different times of the day and also right before you go into the audition room.

• Don't be intimidated by other singers. It's common and natural to want to compare your level of skill with the singers around you while you learn to sing. However, this can lead to a false sense of failure - or security, even before you get a chance to sing for the judges. Everyone's voice is unique. Just because someone may be a better singer than you, it doesn't mean that they are what the judges are looking for. Your voice may very well be prefect for the role you're auditioning for. Don't make assumptions. Just focus on your performance and deliver it to the best of your ability.

• Think positively. Right before a performance, you could very well find that the little voice inside your head is getting more agitated and concerned about whether you are ready, or good enough, or worthy or whatever. Maybe you could take a set of affirmations with you on the day, to remind you of what you're REALLY capable of. That will teach that little voice in your head a thing or two about who's boss!

Anyway, what's the worst that could happen? You might trip onstage...You might forget your words...You might ...something else. The fact is, you might not! What's the use in worrying about the 'what if's'? If you do happen to fall over on stage, have a giggle. It's not the end of the world. You should know that every person in the room will have had a similar experience sometime during their life. People admire people that can have a laugh, get up and get on with the job. You'll be an inspiration and be applauded by your judges if you can just keep going. As they say "The show must go on"!

• Be easy to work with. Everybody reacts differently under pressure. I'm sure you've seen a few singers on idol get a little hot-headed when the judges tell them "No thanks. Not today". Because their nerves are shot to pieces and they are feeling exposed and perhaps even intimidated by the 'caliber' of the panel, some people react very defensively when constructively criticized or rejected. Your judges will remember you for that and they are the audience, in this case, who dictate your success. If you're defensive in your audition, will you be defensive in public when you are being watched by millions of people? Trust me, your judges wont take the risk.

While you learn how to sing be gracious and grateful for the experience and be sure to tell your judges that when you thank them.

Be open also, to suggestions and be willing to 'give it a go' if the judges ask you to try something different, remembering to execute it with confidence and pleasure.

• Accept constructive criticism. If the criticism is not constructive, don't get offended. Be professional and pleasant. This is extremely valuable information, coming directly from the mouth's of those who know what the industry is looking for and how it works.

• Prepare a Resume or Biography and expect to have a brief interview. Again, conduct yourself appropriately, be honest, open and confident. However, be sure not to confuse confidence with 'cockiness'. Professionals are turned off by Diva's or people that think they know more than the pro's - especially when it's clear that they don't!...Otherwise, you'd be auditioning them!

• Don't apologize for your vocal skill level or illness, unless you have a severe illness - in which case, you should question whether or not you should participate. Remember, you are where you're at, and you're aiming for higher heights. Even if you're at a professional level but lacking confidence, always use the skills you have to the best of your ability. No-one can fault you for that, and if you show your judges that you're serious about what you're aiming for, they will give you their full support. Apologies are nothing more than excuses people use in the hopes that the judges will overlook any flaws you may present with. Unfortunately, this only alerts the judges to them, and they may even wonder if you'll give excuses for not performing well or not being prepared enough for the role, if they give you one. In performance, you are representing the people that employ you. They must be able to trust that you will perform well every time - no excuses.

• Smile. A genuine smile can brighten anyone's day. This is the first thing your face should display when you meet your judges. It says "I'm friendly and polite and I'm open to you". It also shows that, even though you might be feeling incredibly nervous, you can 'act out' a convincing smile to hide that fact. Remember, acting is an integral part of performing.

• Make eye contact. As they say, "The eye's are the window to the soul". If you're not afraid to look at people directly in the eye, you are displaying that not only do you have nothing to hide but you have confidence in yourself to a point where you're not afraid for the REAL you, to be 'seen'. It also shows respect towards those speaking to you, and notifies them that you are switched on and listening.

• Move! Nerves can take over at times and leave you standing in the middle of the stage like a Deer in the headlights! Don't let your nerves get in the way of your practiced choreography. Make sure your knee's aren't locked and keep checking in with your face and body to see whether it is holding any excess tension. If you find yourself so distracted by your environment that you forget where you're supposed to be or what you're supposed to be doing; improvise! Be sure not to over-act it though, and maintain a sense of ease and natural flow to your movements.

• If you're singing a Capella, use a tuning fork or ask to use the piano for your pitch or ask someone else for note. This is quite acceptable.

• Ask for feedback, especially if it doesn't come automatically. As I said earlier, if you get an opportunity to gain some knowledge from industry professionals, take it with open arms. It will help prepare you for your next audition, whether it be with the same 'company' or another. The more you refine each detail of your performance, the closer you will get to nailing the role.

• Thank your judges. This goes without saying. Thank them for their time, the opportunity and any feedback you get from them. It's a common courtesy and will be appreciated

So there you have it, an action plan for your next audition. You can also use these exact tips for performance in general.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get ready!