Communication with Table

[TimTaylor]

I always take the time pregame to introduce myself to each of the table crew by name and shake their hand and welcome them as part of the officiating crew - maybe joke that it means during the game they can cheer for anyone they want...as long as they're wearing black & white striped shirts.

Then I'll usually say something like "I know you've all probably done this many times, but I'd like to briefly go over some basics to make sure we're all on the same page and communicating the way we're supposed to." Reviewing the new mechanic, as mentioned by BayStateRef, could be a good way to segue into the subject of the warning horn. I keep it brief and to the point, then ask if they have any questions. Unless something strange comes up, the whole process takes less than a minute.

For the record, most of the table crews I've worked with have been great. Sure there's the occasional prima donna, but fortunately they're few and far between.