drum,
I am a PPL with about 240hrs - I still find that I sometimes mess up a RT conversation. It is almost always if I'm tired after a journey or making a call I'm less familiar with (ie some instrument approach procedures). <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> . .I find a few things useful, though: 1. Keep some prompts handy (ie on your kneepad) of standard calls such as the TRPACER call, 2. If you realise you have badly messed a transmission up then correct it calmly - this re-installs confidence otherwise lost.. .You will find with the prompts handy that you'll be more at ease & less likely to go wrong during the call. Remember that readbacks tend to involve standard items (QNH, runway in use, etc) so do note them down as they are received.. .Above all, remember that flying the 'plane is always top priority. If after a couple of attempts you are struggling to understand what ATC is trying to get across to you (as is not unusual during joining procedures) then use plain English. They will appreciate the situation & be pleased that you have used the initiative to do so rather than allow a possible dangerous situation to form. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
Good Luck, much of the fun comes from mastering these sort of things. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">