What do I say about why I left my last job? - what worked for you?

They always ask why I left, and I freeze. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have been practising in the mirror.

If a company has been in the news for layoffs, you can mention that. Often the interviewer already knows.

Say it plainly and move on to what you can do. Interviewers usually move on if you do.