The emphasis is because direct action is anarchist praxis. It's taking matters into one's own hands, personally or collectively, without the need to use the "proper channels." Which, depending on your strain of socialism/communism, may not be a specifically preferred tactic.

*also I do wish there was a better general understanding of what direct action actually is and isn't, and why. It's not just synonymous with taking risks and confrontation. Mutual aid is direct action, hanging a banner is (probably) not. Not to say one's always better than the other, but it's good to know what things mean and all.