Yes, you're right, there was an automatic assumption in my scenario that all on board would be native level English speakers. Under real circumstances, that would be unlikely, even on a flight between ZA and GB. Good point!

By the way.... I am ICAO level 4.

A few years ago, a 738 had a fan disk disintegrate. (It was contained, IIRC.)

The PA from the FO went something like this. "Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately we've experienced a catastrophic failure of the right engine, and need to return to (departure point)...."

Spoken with later, none of the passengers remembered anything that was said after the words "catastrophic failure".

Technically spot on, though. :E

Many years ago, the Dan-Air ops manual recommended avoiding the use of words such as "fog", as all passengers know planes crash in fog. Similarly "turbulence" was a no-no, as all pax know etc
"Thunderstorm" was also off the menu, as all pax etc.

Imagine you are Mr Scared in seat row 33d, what would you NOT want to hear?

If the wing has broken off, or an engine has shed obvious bits, then don't try to lie, but otherwise try and play down whichever disaster has or is about to ruin everyones day.

Speak as clearly, slowly and as confidently as you can manage, don't want the SLF panicking once the lift spoilers are up on the runway?!?!

Reading every think that all of you wrote, I think my speech could be:

"Hello everyone, is the captain speaking.... due to technical reasons we are unable to proceed to our destination at this time, so we need to return to the airport and the estimate time to arrive will be in about 15 minutes. The company will provide more informations for all of you and about the continuation of your trip upon landing. We appologize about this inconvenience, thank you for your attention."

If it was an obvious "bang" or something, I would use
"Some of you may have noticed we have had a (slight) malfunction. This means we will not be able to continue to XXX and will be returning/diverting...etc"

Perfect... Great!!!!

PA announcements in abnormal / emergency situations
 

Can any one please direct me to a place in the internet were I can find PA announcements done in specific emergency / abnormal situations ?
The element I'm looking at , is announcements that are crafted in a way that do not panic the passengers but do not tell them complete lies .
I did quite a bit of search with no results

Do another bit of search, surely you'll find something. It's not like a Greek to give up so easily.

I think the first 35 seconds of this clip are a pretty damn good demonstration of how to handle such a situation, don't you think ? :ok:

Many SLF's are also knowledgeble about flying. Be honest and say exactly what the issue is and what your decision as pilot is.
Aviate, navigate, COMMUNICATE.

I find most SLF think they know a lot...but in reality...

My favourite one was a disruptive passenger telling the Captain he had no authority on the SLF side of the cockpit door! And he knew this is was true because of his "air force experience".