Ideally, you want to record vocals in a relatively "dead" room. If you clap your hands and get an echo effect, you should consider adding some carpet, blankets, drapes, or other sound absorbing materials. On that note, make every effort to avoid getting too close to the room's walls. These hard, reflective surfaces can easily complicate the recording process. Move your mic setup toward the room's center.

Generally, you should position the vocalist roughly 6 - 8 inches away from the microphone. Getting too close to the microphone tends to increase bass response and can create problems with plosive sounds - those popping Ps, Bs, Ds, and Ts (more on this in a moment). Getting too far away makes the microphone more subject to picking up room ambience - a sound that creates the effect of the vocalist being in a bowl. While vocalists may need to move about in order to hit those high notes, make every effort to maintain a constant distance from the microphone, as this will provide the greatest tonal balance. (see Fig. 1)
For the most part, the microphone's axis (or center line) should aim toward the nose and mouth to obtain the fullest sound. It's not a bad idea, however, to experiment angling the microphone slightly away from dead center so as to help minimize plosives. Further, you should, whenever possible, place a "pop" filter between the vocalist and the microphone, with the pop filter positioned 3 - 4 inches in front of the microphone. This will greatly increase your ability to achieve the most natural sounding recordings with minimal interference from plosive sounds. Fixing plosives with audio editing software often creates more of a problem than the plosive itself. Use of a pop filter will also protect your microphone's sensitive capsule - keeping it free from moisture caused by saliva projecting from the performer's mouth, and breath condensation. Remember... Good microphone technique, proper positioning, and use of a pop filter can make all the difference between a so-so vocal recording and a great one.