Professor Emeritus Paul Wasserman
Conducted by Patti Truant

Q - How did you become an expert on the art of deceptive language?

It was simply a passion that developed after listening to this gobbledygook. I'm not an authority on this, no one is. We just got used to people obfuscating the truth. My colleagues and I have been annoyed for eons about this.

Q - How did you go about compiling examples of "doublespeak?"

They're all around us. You find them in the media, on the air, in newspapers, in political speeches, in education, in the military. Academia is a wonderful place for double talk. Examples of doubletalk are all around us.

Q - Why is this confusing and often misleading language so common in our society?

Because we live in a time where people are trying to con and deceive either other. It's so pervasive that it has become objectionable. People have become grossly annoyed with the asinine comments they hear. When you get put on hold and hear "your call is important to us," but you hear the music playing and they leave you waiting. They're not interested in you, they care about their bottom line.

Q - Who are the biggest offenders when it comes to using these terms?

The military, politicians, educators, talk show hosts. It's all around us.

Q - What is the antidote to "doublespeak"? How should savvy conversationalists respond to this verbal garbage?

If enough of us become annoyed, maybe we'll affect the consciences of the people that are perpetrating this on us. If people voice their disgust, it could change. That's why the book is there, because Don and I had enough.

Q - Do you think that "doublespeak" is ever warranted, as a good way to communicate something diplomatically?

No. I think honesty is the best thing. Truth is the best thing.