When people communicate their emotions, most of it is communicated through nonverbal channels. Human beings evolved the abilities to express and perceive the emotions of others as a natural method of communication. The expression of emotions alone can influence the actions of another. Because of the existence of mirror neurons, neurons that allow people to empathically feel the emotions others are experiencing, our brains are hardwired to feel sympathy for others and change our actions in the face of new emotions.
Nonverbal communication forms, such as touch and eye contact, can lead to the creation and alleviation of stress. Both understimulation and overstimulation from nonverbal communication makes a person feel stressed. An example is the lack of nonverbal behavior, including being denied touch and eye contact from loved ones, can lead to loneliness, depression and boredom. In this sense, nonverbal communication has the power to give or remove personal stress and psychological conditions.
Nonverbal communication is necessary in establishing intimate relationships. This is because nonverbal behaviors provide connection and lead to positive emotions. Not only are forms of nonverbal communication, such as hugging and kissing, important in intimate relationships, but less intense forms of nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and physical proximity, are as well, due to their ability to allow potential partners to signal their interest and begin a romantic encounter. The importance of nonverbal communication in platonic and family relationships also holds true.
Much of persuasion takes place nonverbally. Physical appearance and dress, an often overlooked form of nonverbal communication, allows a person to alter how she displays herself, thereby helping her hint to a potential client that she is already successful in her company. Posture also plays an important role in persuasion, and it combines with verbal communication to help a person show his level of confidence in his verbal statement.