I try to tell the story about the song with the believability that I've lived it myself and I understand what it's all about.
What I really search for is something that I really love hearing, something that's my own private game: If I find a song I really like, I try to do a definitive version.
Don't try to be just like some other singer hitting it big - find your own style and be honest in your performances. And never underestimate your audience.