Step1
Once your table is seated, approach with a friendly smile. Please be sure to wait until everyone is seated before you approach, otherwise, it may come off as rude and result in a poor tip.
Step2
Most restaurants have their required lingo that they would like for you to carefully recite. I always begin by saying, “Hi, folks. How are we doing this evening?” Now, it is always important to consider the audience that you are greeting. If you are greeting young or older women, I insist that you use “ladies” in place of “folks.” If you are addressing young or older men, I insist that you use “gentlemen” in place of “folks” or you may decide to use “guys.” I am always careful to use the term “guys,” because some people tend to get offended if you use it when you are addressing men and women. I believe that when you are in mixed company, “folks” is always the safe bet.
At the beginning, I always like to make small talk with my customers before taking their order. I would say that most customers prefer it and it almost always leads to a better tip. If you choose to make small talk, you can talk about anything from the weather to how his or her week has been. If you sense that a table just wants to order, I wouldn’t make small talk at all. Get their drink orders and move on.
Step3
Next, you will want to get your customers drink orders. If you have an excellent memory and aren’t too busy, then you may choose to memorize it. When I am taking drink orders, I always write them down. I have a tendency of forgetting things, so this helps to my advantage. I always begin by saying, “May I get you something to drink? We have Coke products, which include Coke, Diet Coke, Pibb, Sprite, Raspberry Tea, Lemonade, Barq’s Root Beer, Cherry Coke, water or Ice Tea. We also have coffee, decaf, hot tea and hot chocolate. Or would you like to try something from the bar, perhaps a Bud Light or Coors Light?” I also insist that you write the drinks in order from the person you start with. This is very helpful when you have a large party to attend to.
Step4
Finally before you leave them for the first time, you will want to ask if they would like to start with an appetizer. I begin by saying, “Would you like to begin with Gringo Dip and chips?” Also, always know what you are talking about. If you don’t know what is in an appetizer, then do not suggest it. Start with something that you know. If the customers decide whether or not to have an appetizer, then ask if they would like a few minutes with the menu while you get their drinks. Most customers will choose to look at their menus.
Novice 
