On Tue, 12 May 1998, The Eternal Lost Lurker wrote:

Let's say, for instance, I am introducing myself to someone.

"Watashi wa Morrison Robert desu. Watashi wa nijuusai desu." 

The above example, while technically correct, is stiff and awkward,

[snip]

Well, I may be wrong (wa vs. ga is not my strongest suit), but I don't
think it is even quite technically correct. The second usage of 'wa'
should probably be 'ga'. 'wa' is a topic introducer in most situations. It
is _similar_ (but not the same as) to the 'a' vs 'the' distinction in
English. You introduce something into conversation with 'a' and refer to
it there after with 'the': 

"There was a blue car. The car....

That kind of distinction. Using 'wa' repeatedly is kind of like saying
'There is a person named Morrision Robert. There is a person who is 20
years old.' It is grammatically correct, but not something you would
actually say because you don't introduce the topic repeatedly. But as
you note... 

"Boku wa Morrison Robert desu. Nijuusai desu." 

is more natural (if less polite).

I think 'Watashi wa Franz Jerry desu. Sanjuuichisai desu.
Hajimemashita. Doozo Yoroshiku.' would just about be livable as a 
general introduction.

<whew> I think I've discoursed enough on the subject for now. As
always, if I've made an error somewhere and someone catches it,
please call me on it.

Watashi mo!

-- 
Benjamin Franz