What is a key characteristic of truly 'active' listening, beyond simply hearing words, that demonstrably reduces emotional escalation in a conflict situation?

A key characteristic of truly 'active' listening, beyond simply hearing words, is the consistent and demonstrable practice of 'emotional labeling'. Emotional labeling involves identifying and verbalizing the emotions that the other person is expressing, both explicitly and implicitly. For example, saying 'You seem very frustrated about this' or 'I can hear how angry you are' acknowledges their emotional state. This action reduces emotional escalation because it validates the person's feelings, making them feel heard and understood, which in turn reduces their need to amplify their emotional expression to gain attention or validation. It demonstrates empathy and a genuine effort to understand their perspective, diffusing tension and creating an environment conducive to resolution.