Another way to read the room is vocal volume.

This one is easy to gauge. Can you hear people singing or not?

Gauging the room on this criteria helps you determine three things:

1 | Participation

while singing is not the only expression of worship, it is a measurable criteria in a congregational setting. Psalm 96, 98, 104, 105 all connect singing with worshiping God. Therefore, as a musical worship leader, part of your measurement should be vocal participation. If people aren't participating vocally, you need to change something about the way you're leading.

2 | Key selection

Vocal volume is a great way to determine if you're putting your songs in a singable key. The more singable the key, the louder people will sing. If people aren't singing with you, it might mean you need to try the song in a different key. (if you're looking for more info on how to put songs in a singable key, check out my "What Key?" post.)

3 | Song choice

Vocal volume also helps you gauge your song choice. If people are singing along loudly, it might be a good song for your church! Other factors need to be taken into account as well (theology, theme, etc.) but vocal participation is one factor.

Next time you lead worship, take note of the vocal volume of the room.