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In a negotiation, that’s called labeling. Labeling is a…

“In a negotiation, that’s called labeling. Labeling is a way of validating someone’s emotion by acknowledging it. Give someone’s emotion a name and you show you identify with how that person feels. It gets you close to someone without asking about external factors you know nothing about (“How’s…” quote by Chris Voss
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““In a negotiation, that’s called labeling. Labeling is a way of validating someone’s emotion by acknowledging it. Give someone’s emotion a name and you show you identify with how that person feels. It gets you close to someone without asking about external factors you know nothing about (“How’s your family?”). Think of labeling as a shortcut to intimacy, a time-saving emotional hack.””

Chris Voss

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Labeling validates emotions by naming them, creating rapport quickly without probing unrelated topics.

In simple terms: Naming feelings builds trust fast.

Key Takeaway

Use labels to deepen connection.

Themes

communication negotiation empathy trustbuilding

Mood

strategic empathetic

Type

instructional practical

When to use this quote

  • sales meetings
  • conflict resolution
  • team leadership
  • customer service

Key Concepts

psychology emotional intelligence rapport

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you ensure labels feel genuine?
  • When might labeling backfire?
A Different Perspective

Labeling may feel manipulative if overused or insincere.

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