Cloaked in Clichés: The Unexpected Origin of an Overused Saying

The saying "a picture is worth 1,000 words" has been used countless times in visual storytelling. But is it really accurate?

Where did this phrase originate from?

And why do we still rely on words when endless visuals are available at our fingertips on the internet?

How do we marry the two together so it doesn't lead to divorce?

I'm curious, so delving into the interplay between images and language within the walls of the internet.

Studies on visual perception have revealed that humans can process images up to 60,000 times faster than text. This knowledge has been utilised in advertising and media, where captivating visuals often take centre stage.

However, there is a unique power in words that cannot be replicated by images alone. Words have the ability to convey complex or abstract information in a way that images simply cannot match.

If pictures truly spoke a thousand words, then those boring overused PowerPoint presentations would require little effort beyond collecting visually stimulating images.

The undeniable impact of words, whether spoken or written, cannot be overlooked or underestimated. They possess a persuasive force that even the most captivating image cannot rival.

So...why is this so?

Looking back in time, the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" has two popular origin stories. One version credits advertising executive Frederick R. Barnard, who attributed the phrase to an ancient Chinese proverb. The closest Chinese equivalent translates to “Hearing something a hundred times isn’t better than seeing it once.” The Chinese origin was made up. The true origin of the proverb is not Chinese but adspeak.

Does this mean the phrase itself has morphed into a shallow and overused cliché? Does this showcase its commercialisation and leave the phrase hanging without merit?

Let us continue.

Strong visuals have an undeniably powerful impact on presentation and storytelling. Meaningful images grab your attention and evoke strong emotional responses. The issue with saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” may be that it sets up a false battle between words and images. It suggests one image can match, replace, or outdo the impact of words. A claim similar to comparing chalk and cheese and contradicts our daily experience.

While images can instantly evoke feelings or set a scene, they lack the specificity and explanatory power that words can provide. Instead of pitching images and text against each other, we need to learn when to use which, and how to use both images and words to strengthen each other. Using your text and visuals in a way that complements each other can make or break the story you’re trying to tell.

Effective storytelling, in text or visuals, says more with less. Using clear, focused messaging that focuses only on what’s important is key. In visual storytelling, presentations use meaningful, clear, focused images to guide the audience’s attention. Visuals grab your attention and directly impact your emotions.

How is this done?

Next, some practical tips you can keep in mind as you seek to activate the power of text and visuals:

Prioritise Information: What overarching message are you trying to say with your presentation? Use words and images to enrich each other and move the story forward.

Choose visuals that tell a story: Visuals are powerful, but overusing them can clutter your narrative and distract from your message. Use images to complement, not repeat or overshadow, the text.

Be careful when adding one picture after the other: Ensure your text and images speak the same language. Be especially careful which pictures you put next to each other.

Rehearse to Get a Feeling for the Impact of the Images: Practice your presentation by yourself. Treat your images with the same critical eye that you treat your speech and your text slides with.

Ask Others How They Feel About Your Visuals: It never hurts to have fresh eyes and ears check out your presentation. Get a second opinion from someone – or multiple someones – before you finalise your images and text.

Ironically, the phrase “A picture is worth 1,000 words” doesn’t come close to showing the whole picture. Text and image content both have their strengths and limitations.

Pictures have an impact when they tell a story that only a picture can tell.

Ideally, you find the right words to enhance the said impact. Choose your images as carefully as you chose your words. If you don’t have a meaningful picture, don’t use a placeholder just to add colour.

You dilute your message, distract from what you want to say, and choose anything but the best means to communicate disrespect to your audience.