I start with telling them the size of the drink I want, then what the drink is, decaf or espresso whatever, and then what I want in it, like cream or sugar, flavored syrup. So I ask for a tall, decaf, mocha, fat free, no whip, extra hot.
Or a tall decaf with two creams. and thats all there is. write it down before you get there and read it off until you can remember it....good luck.