Holly
As a rule, you should always establish 2 way comms before you launch into your spiel...(I'm obviously not as slick as Chilli!!)
We're often involved in off air co-ordination or other tasks when the frequency is 'quiet' and we're not always poised, with pen in hand, ready to write down all your details in that first call. (In fact, I'm normally reading the paper, drinking tea with my feet up on the desk...NOT!)
"XXX, GABCD, Request FIS/RIS/Transit/Join" is fine
Another frustrating timewaster for ATCO's is pilots on navex's listing all their turning points. We don't care where you've been, we just want to know where you are now and where you're going next.