dial in the squawk (short pause therefore while I do so
It's the short pause that's the problem. How many times have you been twiddling the transponder knobs and in that pause some other cheery soul comes blurting in with 'G-**** for basic service'. then you get 'Standby G-****' and on it goes. It just doesn't sound sharp either. I like to be quick and punchy on the radio, gaps to me are a sign of someone who hasn't thought about what they are going to say.
It should be 'G**** for basic service (or whatever)
'G-**** squawk 1234'
Squawk 1234 G-****'
Short pause...
'G-**** identified, pass your message.'
Far more civilised.