lostinp - surely you have the (rather lengthy IMO) DVD briefing? Do you feel that a human briefing would be better?
There are a couple of factors here - yes, the DVD doesn't grab your attention the same wayas a human does, but on the other hand the DVD ensures a consitent brief every time, free from the frailties of human memory. There have on occasion been times when we pilots have been asked to go down to speak to the passengers, but the reaction I have got is that they wonder what's up, and why are we doing that instead of concentrating on preparing to fly! (can't win!)