Speech #2 - Genre Outline

Genre: Waiting on a table at a restaurant.

(Informative/Persuasive)

Main Points

(Will be followed by slides)

These main points are the general moves servers make when interacting with their guests.

1. The Introduction (or greeting the table)
1. The server will start out by introducing himself/herself to the guests.
1. “My name is …  
2. Then they will make sure to let the guests know that they will be the server.
1. “ … and I will be your server this evening.
3. Good servers should be able to greet their tables within a minute or two, and because of this they usually will give their table a few minutes to decide on drinks.
1. “Can I get you water, or anything to start?”
4. If there is any happy hour going on now would be a good time to explain it. Point out there is a separate menu, etc.
5. “I will give you a minute to look at the menu.”

2. Getting Drink/Appetizer Orders
1. When getting the drink/appetizer orders they will ask for them separately to avoid confusion.
1. “Can I start you out with something to drink?”
2. Then the server may ask for IDs which requires a few extra moments.
3. Then they will ask about appetizers or small bites.
1. “Can I start you off with any apps?”
4. They may also indicate that now is your time to ask any questions about the menu.
1. “Do you have any questions about the menu?”
2. “These are our specials for the evening...”
5. They will then let you know they are going to put in the orders and be back in a bit.
1. “I am going to put these orders in and I will be back to take your order.”
3. Getting the Main Course Orders
1. Assuming the guests have their drinks/apps the server will then expect to take your main course order.
1. “Are we ready to order?”
2. Many guests will ask for their recommendations, in which case they give them.
3. Then they put your order into the chefs.
4. Check up
1. After you have your food the server will come over to check on the table.
1. “How is everything tasting?”
2. “Can I get you anything else? More drinks?”
2. You may not hear from your server for sometime after this.
5. Asking About Dessert
1. They will come back over and ask if you would like any dessert in which case they introduce the dessert menu.
6. Dropping the Check
1. When they notice the table is done they may come over and ask…
1. “Can I get you a box?”
2. At which point the guest may ask for the check. Once the check is dropped if it is a credit card the server will run it and bring it back, thank you
3. If you are paying with cash they may ask for change, and then thank you.

Conventions/Moves:

1. Being friendly and enthusiastic.
2. Being persuasive.
3. Being knowledgeable about the menu.
4. Dressing clean and presentable.
5. Using restaurant jargon.
6. Being able to hold a number of trays.
7. Remembering orders.
8. Recognizing special occasions.
9. Being organized.
10. Understanding the POS system
11. Being timely.
12. Remembering happy hour and specials.
13. Communication with other coworkers.
14. Being quick.
15. Not looking stressed when you are.
16. Not looking bored when you are.
17. Try to get a tip.
18. Connect with guests.
19. Try to sell more expensive items.
20. Not have tables linger.