I don't think that logic and statistics are very helpful; fear of flying is irrational but still very real. In my experience most people find that understanding more about flight reduces their fears, so on this point I agree with MNBluestater in the helpful post at the top of the page.
But I would like to add one extra tip: I have found that most people actually have specific concerns and if they can express these you can deal with them. Once I met someone who looked out the window, saw nothing but clouds and was worried the crew would be lost. A quick visit to the flight deck (pre 9/11), a look at the maps and an explanation about navigation equipment fixed that. Another was afraid an engine would fail and was reassured that the aircraft could fly for hours on one engine. Finally, people who panic when they see wings bend find it instructing to watch the wing test videos on YouTube where you see a test wing bent almosr 90' and it still doesn't break.