Why would you have a problem introducing yourself as, I call myself......or, my friends call me.........
How many time have you heard people say, my name (is) ---------, but you can call me________?
Why don't you just start with, you can call me..........because my friends do
Marcio you have my vote when you explained your reasoning about pauses. Don't stop with EP even when you do get the hang of the language.