Why We Write More Than We Speak: The Ancient Roots of Communication Struggles
Have you ever found yourself struggling to find the right words in a conversation, but explains feeling a sense of relief when writing those same thoughts down? You're not alone, and recent research offers an explanation for this common experience.
A recent study from Harvard reveals that humans are predominantly wired to think in images rather than words, a discovery that offers key insights into our communication challenges. This could explain why many people find themselves tongue-tied or struggling to articulate their thoughts verbally, yet feel more comfortable expressing themselves through writing.
Thinking in Pictures, Not Words
The findings show that humans have a natural inclination for visual thinking over verbal expression, an instinct that is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. When people describe themselves as "visual thinkers," they often mean they process thoughts as images rather than in language. This isn’t just a quirky personality trait—it’s deeply rooted in human evolution. Language, in its modern form, is a relatively recent addition to human history, emerging around 100,000 years ago. Prior to this, our ancestors relied primarily on visual and sensory processing to understand and navigate their environment. This ancient part of the brain still dominates much of how we think, and translating those images into words is a process that can feel slow and inefficient, especially when we’re put on the spot.
Conducted by cognitive scientists at Harvard, the study involved brain imaging of participants as they engaged in various communication tasks. Researchers found that areas of the brain linked to visual processing were highly active, while those related to language processing took longer to engage. This suggests that translating mental images into words is more cognitively demanding than previously thought.
Why Writing Feels Safer
Because our thoughts often take shape as images, writing provides a vital outlet to sidestep the pressures of immediate verbal expression. When we write, we have time to carefully convert those mental images into words. This extra time allows for reflection, editing, and crafting messages without the immediate pressure of a live audience.
This helps explain why so many people feel more articulate when writing. The written word offers control—over timing, tone, and structure—advantages that are difficult to replicate in spontaneous conversation. Writing also reduces the chance of being misunderstood, as it allows us to perfect our message before sharing it with others.
The Vulnerability Factor
Another reason writing often feels easier than speaking is the level of vulnerability involved. Expressing personal or emotionally complex thoughts aloud can feel overwhelming, especially with the added fear of being judged or misunderstood in real-time. Writing, in contrast, offers a reflective space where individuals can process their feelings at their own pace before deciding how to share them. It’s a way to express vulnerability at a comfortable pace, without the immediate reactions of an audience.
The Rise of Written Communication in the Digital Age
In today’s digital world, this natural preference for visual and written communication is amplified by technology. Text messaging, emails, and social media posts have become the dominant modes of interaction, allowing people to communicate in ways that feel less daunting than face-to-face conversations. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and personal blogs have become outlets where individuals can express themselves freely, often anonymously, without the fear of judgment that comes with speaking in public.
As the digital age reshapes how we communicate, our reliance on writing has become more pronounced, particularly in online spaces where written communication dominates.
A Permanent Record of Thoughts
Writing also offers something speaking can’t—permanence. Whether it’s a heartfelt letter, a social media post, or a personal journal entry, writing leaves a trace that can be revisited. This allows people to track their thoughts, emotions, and growth over time, creating a lasting record of their experiences.
In contrast, spoken words often vanish as soon as they’re uttered, unless recorded. Conversations can be forgotten or misinterpreted, making writing a more reliable tool for expressing important or complex ideas.
Evolutionary Catch-Up
It seems that, in many ways, our brains are still catching up to the demands of modern verbal communication. The mental energy it takes to translate visual thoughts into words can sometimes feel like a struggle, especially in moments of stress or distraction. This evolutionary lag might explain why we often feel "tongue-tied" or lost for words in conversations.
Embracing Our Natural Tendencies
As humans continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, the preference for writing over speaking may not just be a trend, but a reflection of how our brains are wired. Writing allows for more thoughtful, deliberate communication, offering time to translate our picture-based thoughts into words without the pressure of real-time interaction.
While writing offers control, speaking has its own strengths. Verbal communication, with its immediate feedback and emotional tone, can build stronger connections in interpersonal relationships. Face-to-face conversations also allow for non-verbal cues—like body language and facial expressions—that enrich communication in ways writing can't replicate.
While speaking will always play a vital role in communication, writing has become a crucial outlet for self-expression, providing people with a sense of control and safety in a fast-paced world. It may be our way of embracing our natural, picture-thinking selves while living in a word-dominated society.
By Feddy Mwende
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