The Ben Ish Hai (Rabbi Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in Parashat Emor, addresses a number of Halachot relevant to the recitation of Hamosi before eating bread (listen to audio recording for precise citation).
First, he writes that after reciting this Beracha, one should make a point of cutting the bread at the place where the bread is most thoroughly baked. Elderly people who encounter difficulty chewing the hard crust of the bread may cut the bread at a softer place, but generally speaking, one should break the bread and eat the first bite from the most fully-baked part of the bread.
The Ben Ish Hai then proceeds to cite Hazal’s comment that one should recite the Beracha of Hamosi "Tekef Li’ntila" – immediately after washing his hands. One should not speak in between washing and reciting Hamosi, and one should also refrain from all activity, even silent activity. For example, after one washes his hands, he should not go to the kitchen to bring in the ice or the drinks. He should focus his mind on the Beracha of Hamosi and not engage in any activity. Ideally, the Ben Ish Hai writes, after washing his hands one should recite Hamosi within the period of time needed to walk twenty-two Amot (approx. 50 feet), or about thirty seconds or so. One should endeavor not to allow a longer period elapse after hand washing before he recites Hamosi. If several people are participating in the meal and need to wash his hands, it is preferable for the one who will recite Hamosi to wash his hands last, so that he can recite the Beracha within a half-minute of washing.
Summary: After reciting Hamosi, one should, if possible, cut the bread at the part which is most fully baked and take his first bite from there. After washing Netilat Yadayim, one should not speak or engage in any kind of activity before reciting Hamosi. Ideally, he should not allow more than a half-minute to elapse after washing before reciting Hamosi.
