Burke believes that a good waiter should be able to answer questions. They are forced to bow obsequiously toward the patron when taking orders. Or worse, they refuse to lower their heads, which has the effect of making them appear to be imperious, detached, above the action taking place at table level. In a perfect world, the waiters are short, with legs under 3 feet long, allowing them that crucial low center of gravity. Ideally, their heads are exactly at the same level as the seated patrons'.
Short waiters allow a certain conspiratorial mood to evolve between themselves and the diners.
We all see eye to eye about having a good meal. The small waiter can easily glide among the tables, unobtrusively removing dishes and placing new ones with ease. Part of the charm of it all is that for a short guy to be a waiter is to be the tallest man in the room. Training is crucial, but good waiters also have an inborn ability to suffer fools, react quickly and keep smiling. To all of you out there who do it so well, I raise my hat.