Hi Andy,

Check out this video on vocal compression using two compressors on your vocal. It's easy to follow using any stock compressor.
http://therecordingrevolution.com/mixing-vocals-to-sit-upfront/

Another easy alternative is to apply compression using a 4:1 ratio and set your threshold to max peak at 6db of gain reduction. That is easier to hear until you learn to hear it - then you can go lower ratios and lower gain reduction and start messing with attack and release times. It was a nice tip I picked up somewhere along the way.

If anything's distracting, I'll turn it down while I'm singing. I like to keep the rhythm track especially drums up so I'm always where I want to be with the beat.