Learn how to take your turn.

Sounds like a rule that a parent might give a child, but it's an important factor in making a successful filk circle.

Learn how to listen.

When you're in a filk circle, are you constantly flipping through your music book, looking for the perfect follower? Are you in a state of constant tension, waiting for the right moment to jump in with your song? If so, you're missing out on one of the best things about filk circles. Successful filk circles are very much give-and-take, people sharing their music with one another and enjoying other people's music.

You may not enjoy every type of music or performer, but I believe that there is something to be learned or enjoyed in every performance. If you don't like the song, analyze (silently!) why not, and how you would improve the song, or improve that aspect in your own songwriting. If you don't like the singer's voice, first try to find -something- positive you can focus on. They may be horribly off-key, but is their tone strong? Are they enthusiastic? Do you like the song?

Also, be a courteous listener. Don't talk loudly with other people in the circle while someone else is performing or create other distractions. If you want to leave or enter the room, try to do it between songs rather than during a performance.

Basically, just give other performers and listeners the same courtesy that you would hope to have yourself.

Be aware of other filkers who want to perform.

One of the most important factors contributing to a great chaos circle is the chemistry between its members. Instead of just focussing on when you can jump in with your music, take a look around the circle and see how other people are enjoying themselves as well as being aware of who is obviously hoping to perform soon. Also see How do I get a turn to sing in an open filk circle?.

Obviously, this list is unfinished? What other suggestions do you have? Please post them below.

I think the advice to "learn how to take your turn" is excellent theory, rarely translated into practice. I remember one late night filk where a BNF was explaining the need for this as gently as she could (the room contained a notorious filkhog). She suggested a very simple rule, which I think should be engraved in the heart of _everyone_ who wants to go to a Chaos filk.
Her rule was: When you come into a room, count the number of people in the room. (Or if you must, count just the number of people with instruments). Wait and just listen, until that many performances have gone by, before you think about performing. And after you perform, count again, and wait/listen again. It's that simple.

You can use those intervening performances, to hone your listening skills. (After all, knowing that you will not be singing again for 12ish songs, relieves a lot of angst, and frees you up to truly listen.) Become aware of who is always hanging back.
If a long stretch of silence appears with no-one jumping in - before your count is reached - resist the urge to jump in. Instead, turn to one of the people who has not sung in the meantime, and gently ask them to sing something. Being asked to sing by someone else, is an amazing inspiration to the Grizeldas of the world. I have had people come up to me years later, to thank me for how much being asked meant to them.

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