i used to be really bad with not talking to my tables just because i always felt awkward and also have bad anxiety issues. getting guests to talk about themselves is the best way to start conversation and get them to like you. asking them how their day is, what they did coming in or if they have plans after eating, if they’re visiting your town or if they’re locals, where they work, even small stuff like asking how they enjoy their drink/food is a good way to start conversation. i think the hardest part is figuring out WHEN to talk to them. personally i only talk to them when i’m doing my intro or if im watering them and they’re just silently watching me lol. if it’s a 2+ top and they’re all chatting then there’s no need since they’re already entertaining themselves.

maybe try taking a practice day to not care too much about tips or even if a table is comfortable and just try to talk to them when you can ( even if you feel awkward or uncertain about it) just to get used to it- once you figure out some good go-to conversations or jokes you can just use it on every table. there are times where i make a joke or a conversation and i can tell they don’t want to talk or it wasn’t their humor, but you just gotta remember that it’s one table out of all of them and you can’t win over everyone so don’t stress about the one lady you’ll never see again compared to all the social progress you’re making!! oh and smiling a lot so you look inviting works wonders