[toast0]

> You do not necessarily need to tell the whole company that layoffs are happening, but you do need to tell them that this might happen.

If it's a few people, sure you don't need to tell the whole company. If it's half the company, you need to let everyone know.

> Two, avoid saying anything about how hard this was for you. They do not care.

I totally agree. Management should accept responsibility, and acknowledge how hard it is for the employees. And then let people know what's going to happen next. What severance and job placement looks like, etc (ps have that figured out). If you can adjourn for the rest of the day, that's good too.

If there's anyone not present for the big meeting, try to notify them directly asap, too.