Our demo is done by means of a video, with no actions required by the hosties bar pointing out exits. Generally a much better way of conveying the information - ie showing a real seatbelt being fastened, showing a life jacket really being inflated, showing the location of lifejackets and how they are packaged, as opposed to just pointing to them. Although, Im well aware of the flaws with the system too, but then, is there any system for conveying the information that is 100% effective.
I agree with the need to introduce the demo's appropriately. I was involved a few years ago in re-writing the "Non-required" P.A.'s (ie, not the ones that Civil Aviation Departments and the like require a standard wording for) and we came up with the following intro -
"Shortly we'll be showing a Safety Demonstration about this particular aircraft, a (... aircraft type, using full name, ie Boeing 777-200 ER, or SAS Airbus A320-200). You'll also find a safety breifing card in the seat pocket infront of you. We do of course encourage you to watch the presentation and read the card so that you're familiar with the safety proceedures aboard this particular aircraft. The demonstration is performed for the benefit of your safety, as such the flight attendants would certainly appreciate the courtesy of just a moment of your attention."
We found that this intro worked best as it
~as other airlines in the area rarely introduced their aircraft using their full titles, it caused passengers to believe they were on an aircraft type that they had not been on before.
~It puts responsibilty on the passengers to take an interest in their own safety.
~It implies that people who aren't watching the demo are un-courteous, causing more people to watch.
~Passengers are now very quick to redirect other passengers attentions, if they're talking, not paying attention etc, saving the flight attendants from doing it!
Of course, as with the actual presentation, no introduction is 100% effective.
I was on a flight recently where the aircraft returned with severe mechanical problems, shortly after take-off. After a two hour wait on the ground, we all re-boarded the same aircraft, and had to perform another safety demo. Ive never seen a bunch of passengers concentrating on the demo more!