Where to take my bard?

[Gworeth]

Okay, level 7 is looming up ahead, and soon choices are to be made... This is what I've got:
LG Half-elf Bard
Str 14
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 12
Wis 12
Cha 22
Feats: Arcane Strike, Skill Focus (Perform (oratory)), Weapon Focus (Longsword), Spell Focus (Enchantment)

Skills: A bucket load...

In the party we have a dwarf barbarian, Human Ftr1/Alchemist5 and a half-elf Ftr1/Rogue5.

My role is pretty spread out. Buffer/off-tank/support.
I'm not sure in which direction I should go. Usually I play warrior types, and this is my first go at something like this in a long while.
I'm not sure whether I should choose feats like dodge or shield focus, to further enhance my okay AC (22)
Or I could become the debuffer via Dazzling Display, seeing how I could easily get a good Intimidate score...
I was also considering Augment summoning (not until 9th lvl, naturally) But I have sooo much I need to do in combat, and taking a full round to summon something.. well, It's not sitting well on me...
Please help me a bit ;)

[Vazhko Doorsmasher]

How about Lingering Performance? Could save you some rounds of your bardic performance if your group gets into lots of encounters per day.

[Gworeth]

Hmm? I think I have lots of performances as it is, but of course, this could boost it somewhat. Maybe something with a bit of Oomph! Going turtle is a possibility, but not my first choice. But I'm not really sure in which direction I should take this... Oh, and I do really like combat ;) I have given him a lot of spells, though, making him a bit casty, but you'll never be overly casty with a bard...

[Cheapy]

If you're in a lot of social situations, Spellsong works well. It'll force people to make a check against your massive Oratory roll to even notice you're casting a spell.

[Gworeth]

The spellsong is nice, though not quite what I'm looking for, but thanks, hadn't thought of that. It might come into consideration later on in the campaign, depending on how things turn out.

What about feats that aid in combat?

[magikot]

I personally prefer Blistering Invective instead of Dazzling Display due to action economy. However, due to your limited number of spells per day Dazzling Display may actually be better.

If you are looking to buff and do off-tank and support, I like the Battle Herald prestige class. Take level 7 as bard for Haste and Good Hope, then take a level of Cavalier, then go Battle Herald for boosts to Intimidate and Diplomacy, and some great support Commands such as None Shall Fall and Inspire Hardiness. With Lingering Performance you should be able to easily twist Bardic Performances with Inspiring Commands.

If you are allowed 3.5 feats in your game eventually pick up Battlecaster to allow you to ignore spell failure in medium armor and you can wear a suit of Mithral full plate (or celestial plate) without failure. Otherwise a mithral breastplate will probably be your best piece of armor.

[magikot]

As for combat feats Discordant Voice at level 11 lets you do an additional 1d6 sonic damage while a performance is up. Pander (third party feat) can double your Inspire Courage for one target.