Doublespeak

* Re “Time to Downsize Buzz- speak?” Aug. 23: When I was laid off two years ago, the manager of the firm where I was working said the following to me: “We no longer have the need for a man of your talents.” At first, I had no idea what he had said. I heard the last words--that I was “talented”--but the first words made no sense, that they no longer had the need for me, and yet I was “talented”?

Coming to my senses a few moments later, I realized I was being laid off. Then I wanted to laugh--that was one of the funniest lines I had ever heard used in laying someone off. I kept quiet and actually bent over a bit to keep from laughing. The manager started to squirm in his chair as I said nothing and tried to keep from laughing.

I can laugh pretty hard now, for at my current job I make a lot more money. About the best thing I’ve gained from business “double- speak” is that I haven’t laughed so hard at work in years! And I’ve discovered I have “talents” too!

DONALD A. BENTLEY

La Puente