Few pilots are really good at making a passenger PA.
Proficiency comes maybe with a few years of flying experience.
xxx
First, comes the question of language.
I learned English in USA... my English is not always suitable to UK passengers.
Although I know what Brits, or Aussies, or Kiwis would like to hear.
Just educate yourself a little about the differences in language/wording...
To UK people, they need to know about Manchester United and Arsenal.
Not about the Dallas Cowboys or the Chicago Bears.
xxx
If you speak other languages, use (or massacre) them.
Practice correct pronunciation as needed, often foreign F/As in your crew will help you.
Generally, the airline's national language(s) is sufficient, consider using a language of destination.
In some cases, English might be worthless, i.e. a "Hajj" flight from North Africa to Jeddah.
The only "other language" of Algerians, Moroccans or Tunisians is French.
xxx
Then there is a difference of units...
Some people do not know about ºC or ºF temperatures. So, do convert as required.
Same for speeds/distances. As pilots, you have knots/nautical miles in your head.
Your passengers only know statute miles, or kilometres.
Same for altitude - 36,000 feet is 11,000 metres.
Some people have no idea what "flight level 360" really is.
So do not speak as pilots would, but as a "normal Earthling".
xxx
As pilot, I spoke little from the cockpit, especially on scheduled flights.
One announcement during cruise climb with a simple welcome and reminder of safety belts use.
And one at top of descent, with the latest weather and local time.
For charters, I sometimes mentioned points of interest, cities, passing the Equator, or high mountains.
Even posted a large ONC map with the flight track highlighted on it on a partition near toilets.
xxx
True, some PA systems are very poor (volume), but often, is the pilot's own fault.
If you do not speak properly into the microphone, what do you expect...?
If the F/As announced the flight time, weather etc... why repeat...?
And make your PA simple, of interest, and if need be, with humour - my specialty.
xxx
Now retired, I was known for my great PA abilities and smooth landings...
And make 400 passengers rolling on the floor of the aisle with laughter.
Problem is, my flying was just "average"...
But PA and smooth touchdown are all that counts for passengers.
xxx
By the way, I still have an "Air France" F/A PA booklet, with a few languages.
Stole it from one of their ladies, for a few drinks in Paris.
Your airline might publish some equivalent too. Get yourself a copy...
xxx
Happy contrails, and happy 2009 to all.