Only one way to preach?

There's a quote that floats around out there.

"Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words."

I have recently heard it referenced in two different sermons, by two different pastors, at two different churches (yet, on the same day - thanks to podcasts).

Both pastors were not fans of the quote.

Both thought it was, in a word - stupid.

In a sense, they said, "well, duh, you have to use words to preach the Gospel."

But the more I think about it, the more I think they are missing the point of the quote. Are words the only way to preach the Gospel? About Jesus' message?

Can't actions do that as well...at least enough to pique someones interest to ask us?

Not legalistic, church going, Bible thumping action, ...but living in the footsteps of Jesus, action - the tough stuff.

Can, through our actions, even the day to day mundane stuff, the Gospel be preached?

Are words truly the only way to preach?

Or can actions speak as loud (or louder) than words?