--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Labeling has a special advantage when…" description: "\"“Labeling has a special advantage when your counterpart is tense. Exposing negative thoughts to daylight—“It looks like you don’t want to go back to ja..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b6/chris-voss-5746_labeling_labeling-has-a-special-advantage-when-yo_2668888.jpg" --- # Labeling has a special advantage when your counterpart is… ![“Labeling has a special advantage when your counterpart is tense. Exposing negative thoughts to daylight—“It looks like you don’t want to go back to jail”—makes them seem less frightening.” quote by Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b6/chris-voss-5746_labeling_labeling-has-a-special-advantage-when-yo_2668888.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b6/chris-voss-5746_labeling_labeling-has-a-special-advantage-when-yo_2668888.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b6/chris-voss-5746_labeling_labeling-has-a-special-advantage-when-yo_2668888.jpg) > ““Labeling has a special advantage when your counterpart is tense. Exposing negative thoughts to daylight—“It looks like you don’t want to go back to jail”—makes them seem less frightening.”” [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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 a tense counterpart’s thoughts reduces fear by exposing them to daylight. **In simple terms:** Labeling fears reduces their power. Key Takeaway Name emotions to diminish their grip. Themes negotiation psychology emotional intelligence Mood strategic calm Type business psychological When to use this quote - business deals - personal disputes - mediations Key Concepts cognitive reframing conflict resolution Questions to Reflect On - When is labeling appropriate? - How can you ensure labeling feels supportive? A Different Perspective May backfire if perceived as manipulative. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Exposing Negative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exposing-negative-2487050/) [Labeling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labeling/) [Negative thoughts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negative-thoughts/) [Tense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tense/) [Tense Exposing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tense-exposing-2487049/) [Thoughts Daylight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thoughts-daylight-2487051/) ## Related quotes > [“The last rule of labeling is silence. Once you’ve thrown out a label, be quiet and listen.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/the-last-rule-of-labeling-is-silence-once-you-ve-thrown-out-a-label/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“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…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/in-a-negotiation-that-s-called-labeling-labeling-is-a-way-of/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“they should be teased out. Labeling is a helpful tactic in de-escalating angry confrontations, because it makes the person acknowledge their feelings rather than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/they-should-be-teased-out-labeling-is-a-helpful-tactic-in-de/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“What is the point of labeling each individual piece of fruit? Buy the fruit, EAT the ad! We've carved a chunk out of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucy-ellmann/what-is-the-point-of-labeling-each-individual-piece-of-fruit-buy-the/) [Lucy Ellmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucy-ellmann/) > [I am used to jealousy and people putting me in a box and labeling me without really knowing me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonja-morgan/i-am-used-to-jealousy-and-people-putting-me-in-a-box-and-labeling-me/) [Sonja Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonja-morgan/) > [As for labeling someone a whistleblower, I think it does them - it does all of us - a disservice, because it "otherizes" us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-snowden/as-for-labeling-someone-a-whistleblower-i-think-it-does-them-it-does/) [Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-snowden/) > [The FDA has received over a million comments from citizens demanding labeling of GMOs. 90 percent of Americans agree. So, why no labeling?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-kucinich/the-fda-has-received-over-a-million-comments-from-citizens-demanding/) [Dennis Kucinich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-kucinich/) > [No day passes without a Democratic politician, a left-wing commentator, or, if I may be excused a redundancy, a left-wing academic labeling Republicans and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-prager/no-day-passes-without-a-democratic-politician-a-left-wing-commentator/) [Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-prager/) > [Comedy doesn't come easy for me. I've only done 2 movies that are really comedy-style films and I have to work at them. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/channing-tatum/comedy-doesn-t-come-easy-for-me-i-ve-only-done-2-movies-that-are/) [Channing Tatum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/channing-tatum/) > [This is a business meal. The calories do not count. I am mentally labeling these as 'business calories' so my body will know they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cathy-guisewite/this-is-a-business-meal-the-calories-do-not-count-i-am-mentally/) [Cathy Guisewite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cathy-guisewite/) > [A label is a mask life wears. We put labels on life all the time. 'Right,' 'wrong,' 'success,' 'failure,' . . . Labeling sets…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-naomi-remen/a-label-is-a-mask-life-wears-we-put-labels-on-life-all-the-time-right/) [Rachel Naomi Remen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-naomi-remen/) > [Those who are highly evolved, maintain an undiscriminating perception. Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness. Thus they are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/those-who-are-highly-evolved-maintain-an-undiscriminating-perception/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [“Dads. Do you not realize that your child needs to feel your skin on his? Do you not realize the incredible and powerful bond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-pearce/dads-do-you-not-realize-that-your-child-needs-to-feel-your-skin-on/) [Dan Pearce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-pearce/) > [Sometimes labeling is only useful, like with OCD. Once you're labeled you can be treated. On other occasions labeling leads to tyranny, like with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-ronson/sometimes-labeling-is-only-useful-like-with-ocd-once-you-re-labeled/) [Jon Ronson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-ronson/) > [Nothing more guarantees the erosion of character than getting something for nothing. In the liberal welfare state, one develops an entitlement mentality. And the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-prager/nothing-more-guarantees-the-erosion-of-character-than-getting/) [Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-prager/) ## More by Chris Voss > [“Most of the time, you should be using the positive/playful voice. It’s the voice of an easygoing, good-natured person. Your attitude is light and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/most-of-the-time-you-should-be-using-the-positive-playful-voice-it-s/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“By repeating back what people say, you trigger this mirroring instinct and your counterpart will inevitably elaborate on what was just said and sustain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/by-repeating-back-what-people-say-you-trigger-this-mirroring-instinct/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Every case is new. We must let what we know - our known knowns - guide us but not blind us to what we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/every-case-is-new-we-must-let-what-we-know-our-known-knowns-guide-us/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“The Downs hijacking case came to epitomize everything not to do in a crisis situation, and inspired the development of today’s theories, training, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/the-downs-hijacking-case-came-to-epitomize-everything-not-to-do-in-a/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“In any interaction, it pleases us to feel that the other side is listening and acknowledging our situation. Whether you are negotiating a business…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/in-any-interaction-it-pleases-us-to-feel-that-the-other-side-is/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Here are some other great standbys that I use in almost every negotiation, depending on the situation: What about this is important to you?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/here-are-some-other-great-standbys-that-i-use-in-almost-every/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“If I just ask for a volunteer, my students sit on their hands and look away. You’ve been there. You can almost feel your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/if-i-just-ask-for-a-volunteer-my-students-sit-on-their-hands-and-look/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“when you phrase a label as a neutral statement of understanding, it encourages your counterpart to be responsive. They’ll usually give a longer answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/when-you-phrase-a-label-as-a-neutral-statement-of-understanding-it/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“There are essentially three voice tones available to negotiators: the late-night FM DJ voice, the positive/playful voice, and the direct or assertive voice. Forget…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/there-are-essentially-three-voice-tones-available-to-negotiators-the/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Instead of addressing his grumpy behavior, you acknowledge his sadness in a nonjudgmental way. You head him off before he can really get started.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/instead-of-addressing-his-grumpy-behavior-you-acknowledge-his-sadness/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Notice we said 'It sounds like . . .' and not 'I'm hearing that . . .' That's because the word 'I' gets people's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/notice-we-said-it-sounds-like-and-not-i-m-hearing-that-that-s-because/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“What were needed were simple psychological tactics and strategies that worked in the field to calm people down, establish rapport, gain trust, elicit the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/what-were-needed-were-simple-psychological-tactics-and-strategies/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“they should be teased out. Labeling is a helpful tactic in de-escalating angry confrontations, because it makes the person acknowledge their feelings rather than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/they-should-be-teased-out-labeling-is-a-helpful-tactic-in-de/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“List the worst things that the other party could say about you and say them before the other person can. Performing an accusation audit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/list-the-worst-things-that-the-other-party-could-say-about-you-and/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“There’s one powerful way to quiet the voice in your head and the voice in their head at the same time: treat two schizophrenics…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/there-s-one-powerful-way-to-quiet-the-voice-in-your-head-and-the/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) [Explore all 94 Chris Voss quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) ## More Labeling quotes > [Nothing more guarantees the erosion of character than getting something for nothing. In the liberal welfare state, one develops an entitlement mentality. And the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-prager/nothing-more-guarantees-the-erosion-of-character-than-getting/) [Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-prager/) > [Sometimes labeling is only useful, like with OCD. Once you're labeled you can be treated. On other occasions labeling leads to tyranny, like with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-ronson/sometimes-labeling-is-only-useful-like-with-ocd-once-you-re-labeled/) [Jon Ronson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-ronson/) > [“Dads. Do you not realize that your child needs to feel your skin on his? Do you not realize the incredible and powerful bond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-pearce/dads-do-you-not-realize-that-your-child-needs-to-feel-your-skin-on/) [Dan Pearce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-pearce/) > [Those who are highly evolved, maintain an undiscriminating perception. Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness. Thus they are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/those-who-are-highly-evolved-maintain-an-undiscriminating-perception/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [A label is a mask life wears. We put labels on life all the time. 'Right,' 'wrong,' 'success,' 'failure,' . . . Labeling sets…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-naomi-remen/a-label-is-a-mask-life-wears-we-put-labels-on-life-all-the-time-right/) [Rachel Naomi Remen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-naomi-remen/) > [This is a business meal. The calories do not count. I am mentally labeling these as 'business calories' so my body will know they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cathy-guisewite/this-is-a-business-meal-the-calories-do-not-count-i-am-mentally/) [Cathy Guisewite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cathy-guisewite/) > [Comedy doesn't come easy for me. I've only done 2 movies that are really comedy-style films and I have to work at them. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/channing-tatum/comedy-doesn-t-come-easy-for-me-i-ve-only-done-2-movies-that-are/) [Channing Tatum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/channing-tatum/) > [No day passes without a Democratic politician, a left-wing commentator, or, if I may be excused a redundancy, a left-wing academic labeling Republicans and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-prager/no-day-passes-without-a-democratic-politician-a-left-wing-commentator/) [Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-prager/) > [The FDA has received over a million comments from citizens demanding labeling of GMOs. 90 percent of Americans agree. So, why no labeling?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-kucinich/the-fda-has-received-over-a-million-comments-from-citizens-demanding/) [Dennis Kucinich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-kucinich/) > [As for labeling someone a whistleblower, I think it does them - it does all of us - a disservice, because it "otherizes" us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-snowden/as-for-labeling-someone-a-whistleblower-i-think-it-does-them-it-does/) [Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-snowden/) > [I am used to jealousy and people putting me in a box and labeling me without really knowing me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonja-morgan/i-am-used-to-jealousy-and-people-putting-me-in-a-box-and-labeling-me/) [Sonja Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonja-morgan/) > [“What is the point of labeling each individual piece of fruit? Buy the fruit, EAT the ad! We've carved a chunk out of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucy-ellmann/what-is-the-point-of-labeling-each-individual-piece-of-fruit-buy-the/) [Lucy Ellmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucy-ellmann/) > [The entire EU has labeling for GMOs, and is simply saying let's let consumers know what they're buying, let's let them choose. I think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-shumlin/the-entire-eu-has-labeling-for-gmos-and-is-simply-saying-let-s-let/) [Peter Shumlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-shumlin/) > [Well, I don't think of myself as a feminist at all. As soon as we start labeling and categorizing ourselves and others, that's going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melissa-leo/well-i-don-t-think-of-myself-as-a-feminist-at-all-as-soon-as-we-start/) [Melissa Leo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melissa-leo/) > [Punishment also includes judgmental labeling and the withholding of privileges.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marshall-b-rosenberg/punishment-also-includes-judgmental-labeling-and-the-withholding-of/) [Marshall B. Rosenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marshall-b-rosenberg/) [Browse all 122 Labeling quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labeling/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Labeling has a special advantage when your counterpart is tense. 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