How can customer service representatives effectively de-escalate a situation with an angry or irate customer, while still ensuring that the customer feels heard and valued?

Customer service representatives can effectively de-escalate a situation with an angry customer by actively listening to their concerns without interrupting, empathizing with their emotions, and apologizing for any inconvenience caused. It is important to remain calm, patient, and respectful throughout the interaction, and offer solutions or alternatives to address the customer's issue. By validating the customer's feelings and demonstrating a willingness to help, representatives can help diffuse the situation and ensure the customer feels heard and valued.