i agree with BOAC, airlines do need to stop pussy footing around safety and, while not scaring the beejeesus out of the cattle, at least de-fluff it all. The crap that is spewed out about scaring the pax is mince! do passengers on cruise ships get scared when the do the lifeboat drill in full get-up? No!
BA and easyJet have some of the vest worded demo's i've heard. they're not scary, but the get the point across. shoes off so you don't tear the slides bla bla. Not where i work! It's all a bit cover what the CAA say we have to and NO more.
Even the overwing briefing is a bit crap. That being said, i do it like i did before i came here and haven't scare a pax yet. a smile when you're doing it seems to help. and besides, if they get scared at just the thought of opeing the hatch then they shouldnt be sitting there!