Posted for "Bill Kennedy" <bill_kennedy_3@hotmail.com>:

 I usually report initial with distance and intentions, break with direction,
downwind, base and final. If there are other folks in the normal pattern, it
works best for all concerned to slow down and join them.
 
 Just tell tower which runway you want and request an "overhead". I usually
ask for 1000' AGL instead of the overhead standard of 1500'. Again, if other
folks are in the pattern, it doesn't normally work to my advantage.
 
 Bill Kennedy