Here's what it sounds like when no net is running and you just want to say hello. Replace the callsigns with yours and whoever answers.
The script
YOU: "KI5QRT, listening."
(release · wait ten full seconds)
THEM: "KI5QRT, this is N5XRB. Evening, go ahead."
YOU: "N5XRB, KI5QRT. Evening Tom - new Technician in Norman,
first time on the repeater. Just checking my radio's getting in okay."
THEM: "You're full quieting into the machine, welcome aboard.
Net's Tuesday at eight if you want to check in."
YOU: "Appreciate it, I'll be there. KI5QRT, clear."
Why you say your call twice
The first time - "KI5QRT, listening" - tells everyone who you are and that you're available. It isn't a question and you aren't calling anyone in particular. Saying "listening" or "monitoring" is the repeater equivalent of sitting down at the bar.
The second time, when you sign off with "clear", is the FCC's identification requirement: Part 97.119 says you identify at the end of a contact and at least every ten minutes during one. Say it clearly and don't rush it. It's the one thing nobody minds hearing again.
The pause
After you release the button, wait. Two seconds lets the repeater's tail drop. Ten seconds lets somebody driving pick up the mic. On a busy machine you'll hear people leave a gap after every exchange so anyone can break in with a callsign - do the same and you'll never talk over anyone.
Things that mark you as new (and don't matter)
- Saying "over". The courtesy tone does that for you. Harmless.
- Talking too fast. Everyone does at first.
- Forgetting the other person's callsign. Just use yours; nobody minds.
Things to actually avoid
- "CQ" on a repeater. That's an HF thing. Repeater people will still answer, but they'll smile.
- "Monitoring" and then leaving. Someone will answer and get silence.
- Whistling, music, or keying up without ID. The FCC and the repeater trustee both care.
Say your callsign, say something true, say your callsign again. That's the whole art of it.