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You will get many different responses to this one, but here's my take.
Get a good position in the slot, shoulders square to the pitcher, your head above the catcher's head and between catcher and the batter. You must be able to see the outside corner of the plate, so get your head in there, and high enough. Lock into your crouch (or scissors) by placing your hands in a way that gives you stability, the same way every time (usually very high on your thighs).
Relax. When F1 comes to his set be sure your feet are in proper stance. When F1 starts his pitching motion, squat down into your crouch, follow the ball ALL THE WAY into the catcher's glove by tracking it with your eyeballs only (your head should NOT move). If your eyes follow the ball all the way into the mitt before you call the pitch, you will have proper (slow enough) timing.
If it is a BALL, stay down in your crouch and say BALL!
Then stand up and relax. Start over. If the pitch is a swinging STRIKE, stand up and give your STRIKE signal (hammer up, OR point to side) with no verbal. If it is a called STRIKE, do the exact same thing and give your verbal at the same time as your arm movement. Then relax.
If it is a called 3rd STRIKE, go for your punch-out or chainsaw or whatever you prefer. With runners on, or less than 2 outs, do not turn sideways, but stay facing forward. You must be alert for batter's interference, steals.
It is true that we will all develop our own style. By concentrating on the basics of plate mechanics, tracking the ball, and proper timing, hopefully, we will first become excellent at calling pitches properly. This will contribute to overall confidence and relaxation, and allow us to then worry about that perfect punch-out call. After all, what good is all that style if we are blowing the calls?
Lastly, don't do it up too big and loud when a little guy strikes out. He may just cry before your eyes.
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