I was a student until recently and always used the term 'navigation exercise' in the initial call into any non-home frequency. I intended this to show I was in training, whether I was solo or not.
As for TYRO, I wouldn't hesitate to use this now if I found myself in a spot of bother, serious or otherwise. You really want the chaps on the ground to know your not a several 000' hour pilot who's not that flustered, right?!
Fancy Navigator- as for using 'Speedbird', I like it! Might confuse you for a BA flight though, praps?
Hersh