This study investigated changes in the speech patterns of Japanese college students in an intensive English language course when using a microphone, focusing in part on possible links to "karaoke" activities common in Japan, in which participants sing along with music using a microphone. The researcher first observed several karaoke parties in which selections were sung in both English and Japanese. Later, in a classroom context, university students in advanced English classes were videotaped in English debates using microphones, and students were then surveyed using both a Likert scale and interviews (without microphone) about public speaking and microphone use. It is suggested that microphone use helps students overcome shyness and enjoy public speaking, gives the speaker control of the floor and of turn-taking expectations, increases self-confidence, and may assist in the speaker's self-monitoring. It is also concluded that the karaoke style carries over into the classroom in this situation. (Contains 20 references.) (MSE)