The controversy over the French soccer team’s goal against Ireland was discussed by heads of state at a summit in Brussels. FIFA (soccer’s governing body) commented on the integrity of the game.
Newspapers across the world, social network sites and broadcast channels reported repeatedly on the incident showing a sequence of visual images of Henry – all of them telling a story.
The Internet image that mocks Henry’s deed.
Without any words or explanation the image on the right identifies the country (flag of France), the issue being sports related (the cockrell is the French sports symbol) and the hand (the incident).
Do PR practitioners give enough thought to how photographs, images or signs can detract or add value to their stories? Do they overlook the immense impact of visual images - a medium that transcends culture and language and can evoke instant recognition and emotion?
The power of visual images to highlight news stories should be proof that it is not only words and meaning that will make or break reputations.
As Al and Laura Ries said in their book, The Fall of Advertising and the rise of PR, “You can argue with words, but you cannot argue with a picture”.
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ReplyDeleteIt is true that in many circumstances,people tend to be attracted by visual images rather than words.So a book needs a beautiful cover or fantastic illustrations to promote itself.Newspaper,actually depends "photo" to talk.But it is just "in many circumstances" not"always".
ReplyDeleteAs in this posting say the power of visual images could make or break reputations,just like words do.We have to admit that the images are indeed give people a more direct impression of the attitude from the "author".But personally, I think any photo or image needs "words" to explain, it doesn't work if they are used alone.After all, almost no photo in newspapers is without "words" followed.Using photos alone may misguide people or even cause some trouble, such situation challenges newspaper's legitimacy.
I quite agree the sentence that "You can argue with words, but you cannot argue with a picture".But "PR" focuses on communication rather than on "argument", when a crisis come to reputation, one important crisis management rule in PR is speaking "truth", but not trying to force the publics to accept the idea.
In my eyes, "photos" help "words" become more attractive and impressive in readers' mind.And, "words" set a "background" for "photos",without this "background","photos" may weak in "readability" and may cause misunderstanding among readers.
Regarding in reputation establishment, which is regarded as PR's job,I just believe no word and no picture is more powerful than "truth".