Video

This video from ben oprstu describes a range of performance techniques:

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Before the gig

1. Get there early. The last thing you want to do is get there late, rush a sound check and then go on stage. Get there in enough time to gauge the crowd, the sound system, the lighting, etc. You will also be able to see what kind of crowd you're dealing with. You'll get to know what kind of genres they like (Rap, RnB, Drum n Bass, etc.) so you know what kind of genres you should use in your performance.
2. Watch what you eat and drink. Try to avoid fatty foods, too many dairy products (these can produce mucus), sugary drinks such as Cola, alchohol, and smoking before a gig. All these will affect your vocal chords and performance. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Some say a warm cup of tea helps the voice. How do you know if you're dehydrated? The golden rule is 'pee clear'. Make sure you have plenty of water on stage with you.
3. Know the line-up. It's important not only to know what other artists are performing but where you are in the line-up. Going on first as a warm-up act is a whole different ball game to headlining! You will need much more energy to get the crows going at the start of a show than at the end.
4. Prepare a set list. For every gig, prepare and write down a set list of what you're going to perform. Do this in advance and know how long you are to perform for! The set list should contain variety and work as a whole. Don't rely on keeping your performance in your head. It's amazing how the pressure and excitement of performing can make your mind go blank or forget a routine. Place the set list on the stage or the floor where the audience can't see it, but where you can glance at it to remind you what is coming up next. This way you can focus on beating the box.
5. Practice. Not only practicing your routines, but also practice your set list in your head. This means familiarise yourself with it from start to finish.
6. Make sure you're introduced correctly. Meet with the MC or host of the show before the gig. Make sure they know your name, what you do, and how to introduce you. You don't want to be introduced as a 'be popper'!
7. Sound Check. Meet with the sound engineer before you sound check. Know his or her name and try to get them on side before the sound check. When you sound check make sure you are happy with everything. Does it sound 'hoofing' - i.e. plenty of top end to make it crisp and clear as well as bottom end bass. Can you hear yourself in the monitors? Sound check as loud as you will be in the performance, holding the mic and moving on stage exactly as you will be later on. Saying '1,2' into a mic is not enough.

100Hz High Pass Filters

Before a sound check, ask the engineer to remove any 100Hz high pass filters that may be on the input channel of the mixing desk. A high pass filter is something that cuts out all the frequencies below 100Hz (it lets high frequencies pass through). They are used to avoid stage rumble being picked up by the microphone and are found even on some cheaper desks. However, the human ear can hear down to about 20Hz and you will need these frequencies when you beatbox.

8. Warm up. It is important to warm up your voice before performing. Not only will you sound better but it will also prevent you putting too much strain on your vocal chords. Perhaps do some quiet, low-key beatboxing or some simple vocal exercises. Try to avoid shouting - something you can do without thinking about it in a noisey club.
9. Stay calm! Being nervous is natural and a good thing. You will find that if you're prepared and confident, when you go on stage the nerves will disappear. In the 15-20 mins before you go on stage, try to be somewhere calm and chilled out. Breaking on the dance floor just before you go on is not the best idea - preserve some enery for the performance!
10. Use your own mic. Take your own mic. This has the advantage that you won't be sucking up someone elses germs and saliva when you do those ineard snare sounds. It also means you won't get lumbered with a poor quality mic.