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[Hypnosis00]

There is no easiest way to explain Bitcoin to any person other than telling the truth and the importance of Bitcoin. They'll never appreciate the value and role of Bitcoin to them if they won't clearly understand it that is why we shouldn't hurry to teach them but rather do it step by step until we reach the goal. Because Bitcoin is not just a few words or a simple discussion but indeed, it was a long discussion which means that it takes time for the listeners to catch up. especially when we are mentioning some technical terms.

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[DanWalker]

There is no easiest way to explain Bitcoin to any person other than telling the truth and the importance of Bitcoin. They'll never appreciate the value and role of Bitcoin to them if they won't clearly understand it that is why we shouldn't hurry to teach them but rather do it step by step until we reach the goal. Because Bitcoin is not just a few words or a simple discussion but indeed, it was a long discussion which means that it takes time for the listeners to catch up. especially when we are mentioning some technical terms.

Right, bitcoin is a technology, a revolution that could change the world's financial system, so there cannot be only a few words to describe how amazing it is. With the era of technology development, everything is available online, and in my opinion, the best way is for everyone to learn on it, very easy to understand and more complete. If someone really wants to learn about bitcoin, advise them to spend a lot of time on bitcoin, we gave them a chance, it's up to them to take it or not.

[Faisal2202]

How do you guys like to explain bitcoin?

Answer of your this question changes with the nature of the person to whom you are going to teach about BITCOIN. Well lets say, its child having no knowledge or a old man having less knowledge. You should start from the basics. like.

• what blockchain is and how btc is dependent on blockchain technology,
• Use cases of blockchain technology.
• What are smart contracts. and importance of impact that they can make.
• What is ledger, distributed system, concept of centralization and decentralization
• also teach them how banks works and how they control your money to get there advantage. This will open there eyes

There is more on the list but the density of above explanation changes with the nature of opponent's mentality. As we at least can know by asking him how much he/she knows or simple  judge it without making fool of them.

I personally like to use the penny/dollar : satoshi/bitcoin example.

Your way is also good but do not start with exampling stoshi this will make things more complex like how many stoshies are there in 1 btc and how many btc are there in 1 satoshi this is not math. This is innovation and trend of blockchain that revolutionizes not only financial sector but a lot of other sector of life too.

Well, basic functioning and fundamental impacts that a new technology like btc can make on future should be the main context of your teaching's scenario. and that depends on you how would you teach them with what approach but before teaching them do some practice like on your self and ask questions to your self. That will also groom yourself too.

[Welsh]

The hardest part for me, has been explaining how Bitcoin exists; which is an incredibly broad topic, but specifically what I can't seem to put into good enough words, is how to explain how nodes work, and how Bitcoin exists. While, I've given them an explanation, they can't seem to wrap their heads around it not being a physical item. I thought it would be easier these days, with digital money more popular than ever. However, comparing it to digital money didn't work.

They've asked questions like "But, where does it actually exist", then there's the other question that frequently gets brought up; How can you create a wallet, "without other people having access to it?", but what they're really asking when I get into it, is they believe that your Bitcoin wallet has to be stored somewhere centrally, like a hard drive, which of course it doesn't, at least not in the way they're thinking. I've tried explaining this several times, including the explanation of how nodes work, and that each node has a copy of the public ledger, and Bitcoin private keys are simply math, and therefore every private key technically, already exists. However, I've really struggled putting it into simple enough terms for people to understand.

It's actually led me to just not talk about it anymore. I'll be the first one to admit, I'm not the best at explaining myself at times, and I'm definitely not a teacher, but I've definitely tried my best. Even, sometimes I feel like I'm getting somewhere, and then some time passes before talking about it with them, and next time they've kind of already forgotten what we established last time around.

But I think explaining to the younger generation will certainly be very easy. especially if he is already familiar with the internet and knows a lot about the digital world or some kind of digital payment. but the real difficulty is explaining it to people who are completely unfamiliar with and seldom use the Internet. like people who live in the interior of an area.

I'd like to think so, however if you look at my point above about the comparisons of digital money, it still doesn't seem to stick. Also, I believe statistics have actually shown that technical ability via computers has actually declined in recent years, despite the younger generation being more reliant on technology. The thing is, if you think about it, it makes a whole lot of sense.

Years ago, people have to basically fix their computer, and overcome problems themselves. These days, the problems have been simplified through interfaces, and better development. They don't need to problem solve as much as people in the early 90s had too. For example, I've taken apart a lot of computers in my time, but do you really see young people doing that today? I'm not talking about building computers for gaming either, I mean troubleshooting or trying to tinker their device to get the best performance.

2. Exchange isn't a wallet.

Technically, it is. However, it isn't a secure wallet. Let's put it that way to not confuse new users.

3. Bitcoin doesn't help poor people.

It can do. Bitcoin wasn't created to make people rich, it was created to escape the reliance on banks, which poor people also use.

4. The concept of don't trust, verify.

Right, but verifying in a insecure environment isn't exactly great either. To be able to verify a download etc, you'll need to understand the security of your system. There's no point verifying a hash, on a compromised machine which could be present false hashes.

[Hamza2424]

They've asked questions like "But, where does it actually exist", then there's the other question that frequently gets brought up; How can you create a wallet, "without other people having access to it?", but what they're really asking when I get into it, is they believe that your Bitcoin wallet has to be stored somewhere centrally, like a hard drive, which of course it doesn't, at least not in the way they're thinking. I've tried explaining this several times, including the explanation of how nodes work, and that each node has a copy of the public ledger, and Bitcoin private keys are simply math, and therefore every private key technically, already exists. However, I've really struggled putting it into simple enough terms for people to understand.

Before explaining something the first point to check is what is the information level of the person whom you are trying to explain if he knows something about the discussion topic then the above information which you provided is quite good ( where you are trying to explain things in a broad way and trying to cover up maximum things ) But when it comes to the completely new person then feed the basic things and it will definitely work for both of you because feeding all the information about nodes, and their nature might be a bad attempt because people won't understand it.

Actually, I was confused between the Blocksize and the Number of Transactions on each block but after a good debate things are a bit clear

[death69]

Alrite, so you wanna know about Bitcoin, huh? Well, let me tellya, tryna break it down for a regular Joe is like tryna teach a cat how to fetch. It's just not gonna happen, my frend. But dont worry, Im gonna do my best to make sense of it for ya.

Bitcoin is like Monopoly money, but for grown folks. Its desentralized, so there aint no higher-ups pulling the strings. But lets keep it real, its probably gonna end up in the hands of a few rich dudes anyways.

Heres the thing with Bitcoyn, its still like the Wild West out here. No rules, no regulations, no guarantees. So, if you're thinking of throwing some cash in, you better brace yourself for some turbulence. But who knows, maybe youll strike gold and make it big! I mean, crazier things have happened, right?

[kryptqnick]

I think that nowadays, we should employ the technologies available to us if they can help us. The op asks of the easiest way of explaining Bitcoin, so that a person understands the key things about it. Based on what I consider important (non-custodial wallets, the general definition, and that it's both money and investment), I made a prompt for ChatGPT to explain Bitcoin, and I think it did a pretty good job, apart from the fact that decentralization, peer-to-peer-transactions and blockchain might require additional descriptions:

Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates on a decentralized network called the blockchain. It was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
One of the key features of Bitcoin is that it allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a middleman such as a bank or payment processor. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on the blockchain, which is a distributed ledger of all Bitcoin transactions.
To use Bitcoin, you need a Bitcoin wallet, which can be either custodial or non-custodial. A custodial wallet is one in which a third-party holds your private keys, while a non-custodial wallet is one in which you hold your own private keys. It is generally recommended to use a non-custodial wallet to maintain full control over your Bitcoin.
It's also important to store your wallet passphrase or seed phrase safely and securely, as losing it can mean losing access to your Bitcoin forever.
Bitcoin can be used both as a currency for purchasing goods and services, as well as an investment vehicle. Its value can be highly volatile, and its use as an investment carries significant risk.
Overall, Bitcoin is a revolutionary digital currency that offers a new way of thinking about money and transactions. It's important to understand how to use it securely and safely to make the most of its potential benefits.

[Welsh]

Before explaining something the first point to check is what is the information level of the person whom you are trying to explain if he knows something about the discussion topic

More often than not, they come from a very basic understanding. However, that's the difficulty. It's turning the jargon into actual explanations which can be basically explained to anyone. That's what I've been struggling with. How do you explain something, that's completely different to the existing systems they use, but achieve exactly the same thing?

It's difficult to explain what difficulty means to someone who has no concept of it, there's trouble explaining why Bitcoin mining exists, and why it's designed the way it is. Of course, to someone who knows something about Bitcoin, they'll be able to get it, but doing it without the jargon, and as concise as possible has never really been my strong point.

I'd like to see someone attempt something like this; create a website that's dedicated to explaining Bitcoin's most common questions, in a concise way.

I made a prompt for ChatGPT to explain Bitcoin, and I think it did a pretty good job

I personally don't think it's done a good job explaining. It's basically given a very broad overview, but when it comes to a new user actually exploring Bitcoin, and asking questions about the intricacies of Bitcoin, ChatGPT or any broad overview isn't going to cut it. They need the fundamentals explained, which I think I've come to develop an answer for that, which most people will understand. However, the more technical processes, are much more difficult.

Take these questions as an example:
- How do miners mine blocks?
- How are wallets secure?
- Where does Bitcoin exist?
- What is double spending?
- How does the Blockchain maintain integrity?

Pretty simple questions right? Most users could probably explain it, but would likely be using complex terms or new terms that a new user wouldn't be aware of.

Bitcoin is like Monopoly money, but for grown folks. Its desentralized, so there aint no higher-ups pulling the strings. But lets keep it real, its probably gonna end up in the hands of a few rich dudes anyways.

Most people don't even know what decentralisation is, and why it's important. So, just saying it's decentralised isn't going to help a new user at all. As soon as you say that, they'll be a question about it. That's part of the issue too, much of these questions are fired off the hip, and are generally in casual conversations rather than a lecture or whatever. If you had enough time, you could probably explain a lot about what they need to know, however ultimately you're relying on them doing their own research, and putting the time in to learn.

[Davidvictorson]

How I may explain bitcoin to a regular person depends on a lot of factors. These factors may include the age of the person, the profession of the person or the sector in which the person works in, the academic qualification of the individual, and our personal relationship. I find that using a relatable instance or example to explain a new concept to an individual makes it easier for that person to comprehend the new subject. So that is what I do. For example, in this post I made last year, I shared how I explained Bitcoin to my Octogenarian and Septuagenarian Parents about Bitcoin. I used something very relatable. And they sure loved the lecture.

[_BlackStar]

We have to be able to sort out how to explain bitcoin to someone. If they are educated people I think some technical explanations will also support their understanding of bitcoin. But on the other hand, we can also say that bitcoin is a new type of currency that is not controlled by anyone by the government ^{[decentralized],} of course that is the basis.

I can also refer you to some of the most frequently asked questions about bitcoin because sure, when you say it's a currency that has value they will ask more.

Frequently Asked Questions

[Yatsan]

First is to mention its advantage or pros to get their interest. Then use of situations for them to comprehend it correctly; not all people would be able to understand, perhaps, volatility and supply-demand relationship. Then don't forget to mention about the disadvantages of this technology. When explaining something, one dhould avoid biases especially if you are just aiming to explain domething and not to persuade them. Usage of examples in line with what they are doing will simply make them understand things on an easier manner than to use technical terms.

How I may explain bitcoin to a regular person depends on a lot of factors. These factors may include the age of the person, the profession of the person or the sector in which the person works in, the academic qualification of the individual, and our personal relationship. I find that using a relatable instance or example to explain a new concept to an individual makes it easier for that person to comprehend the new subject. So that is what I do. For example, in this post I made last year, I shared how I explained Bitcoin to my Octogenarian and Septuagenarian Parents about Bitcoin. I used something very relatable. And they sure loved the lecture.

Indeed age should also be a factor because there is a difference with generations. Also literacy I guess. Not all people are in line with technology in particular with advancements.

[ChiBitCTy]

I think the best possible thing to do is to share Andreas Antonopoulos YouTube videos about bitcoin. When I discovered bitcoin sometime around 2014ish, I was told to watch his videos and that he would in a simple manner teach me about bitcoin and it’s inner workings. I also read his book, Mastering Bitcoin. Im not very technical, so I didn’t understand like 75% of it, but the other 25% did teach me quite a bit.

Here’s an introduction to bitcoin video by Andreas - https://youtu.be/l1si5ZWLgy0

[_musab-scorpion_]

I don’t think it is that difficult to explain bitcoin to newbie….
But it doesn’t mean that you have to explain them on the basis of penny/dollar concept…because actually dollar is a stable currency but bitcoin is not…..you have to keep that in mind ….
Easiest way of explaining would be by having them known about your investments and returns…..
You should also tell them about the risk factors…
They should be also be guided about buying bitcoin in fractions (satoshis)….
And it should never be forget to tell them that bitcoin is not one night rich thing….

[ilovealtcoins]

I think the best possible thing to do is to share Andreas Antonopoulos YouTube videos about bitcoin. When I discovered bitcoin sometime around 2014ish, I was told to watch his videos and that he would in a simple manner teach me about bitcoin and it’s inner workings. I also read his book, Mastering Bitcoin. Im not very technical, so I didn’t understand like 75% of it, but the other 25% did teach me quite a bit.

Here’s an introduction to bitcoin video by Andreas - https://youtu.be/l1si5ZWLgy0

That's how people can understand bitcoin well, we can't explain bitcoin to someone with just words. Bitcoin is not too difficult to understand, but it is not simple either, so a suitable method is needed. We also have to watch youtube videos to understand bitcoin, so why not use this way to make people understand bitcoin?

[LogitechMouse]

Analogies.

I believe that this is the best way to explain Bitcoin to a regular person. I think let's also think of the background of the person we are explaining Bitcoin with. If we will explain it to a person who really has 0 knowledge on Bitcoin or investing in general, we must explain it on the simplest way possible and I believe analogies will work like explaining that Bitcoin works like money where we can use it on different transactions etc. etc.

Explaining it to a regular person would be hard especially if that person isn't interested at all, so what I'm doing is that, I will just explain the most basic things with regards to Bitcoin so that he will not be overwhelmed with lots of knowledge and after that, I will just let him do the research. Spoon-feeding isn't the way to go for me, but to let him exert some effort too thru researching, watching educational videos etc. and if he's interested on it, he will do it. If he's not, he will not do it and just simply ignore.

[NeilLostBitCoin]

Let's say bitcoin is internet money, and people on the internet use it like fiat money in their daily spending. However, its value depends on worldwide people who buy and sell it. Unlike the fiat, the government has the power to control. And it would be best if you shared some excellent content creators who can teach them with their videos on their social media platforms to know more about bitcoin. Make sure to tell them to invest what you can afford to lose.

[TheGreatPython]

I am not so sure this is the best way to go about this, if someone asks you about bitcoin and you see they really want to learn, it is better for you to sit down with that person and explain step by step instead of referring them to this forum.

Explaining things like the differences between bitcoin and fiat, why bitcoin exists at all, the most common scams and how to protect yourself from them are some of the very first things that need to be taught to anyone that wants to become part of this market, as this will save them a lot of headaches and losses in the future.

I guess it depends. If the person is not good at using the internet, they might find it hard to navigate through the forum so it will be better if we can just explain it to them if what is bitcoin and its purpose. This is also best if we have a lot of time to spare but if not and then those people are kinda literate when it comes to the internet then we can just mention them bitcointalk.

It can save them lots of time for researching different topics pertaining in bitcoin because this forum can offer it all plus there is also a bonus section here which aren't really related to bitcoin and the blockchain technology. They can talk random things there which gets their interest.

[akuntester1]

Actually,if we just to explain to lay people what the OP conveyed is quite easy to understand.

How do you guys like to explain bitcoin?

I personally like to use the penny/dollar : satoshi/bitcoin example.

One hundred pennies equal one dollar
One hundred million satoshis equal one bitcoin

I think your opinion is absolutely right, if we want to introduce and bring people further to know about Bitcoin, of course things are different.

They'll never appreciate the value and role of Bitcoin to them if they won't clearly understand it that is why we shouldn't hurry to teach them but rather do it step by step until we reach the goal. Because Bitcoin is not just a few words or a simple discussion but indeed, it was a long discussion which means that it takes time for the listeners to catch up. especially when we are mentioning some technical terms.

If we want to not only explain but invite them further to get to know Bitcoin, it must be gradual so that ordinary people can understand.
And if we want to explain and invite people to get to know Bitcoin, we should really understand the basic knowledge and knowledge about crypto ourselves.
So that there are no blundering explanations to the people we invite.

[thecodebear]

There is a reason why bitcoin is called digital gold. Digital Gold is probably the easiest way to quickly describe it. People understand gold is valuable and they understand gold was like the base monetary instrument for much of humanity for much of history and they understand gold is more valuable than the national currencies we all use today because you can't print it.

So probably the easiest way to describe Bitcoin is to say it's like digitizing gold purely to use as money but it vastly improved every aspect of Gold that made it great money. So it is much stronger money than gold was, but since it is entirely digital a doesn't need the giant banking infrastructure that national currencies need it is also much more efficient money than national currencies are. And it is global so any human on the planet can use it and isn't restricted to just one country like national currencies are. And then add in the kicker that it cuts out banks because you can hold your bitcoin yourself and don't need a bank to hold your money like with national currencies.

If they don't get it by then, they probably just don't have enough financial education to understand why such a thing is valuable.

OTOH if they want more explanation than that you have to start diving more deeply into what Bitcoin is and how it works and they will only understand if they are actually interested in learning about it.

[serjent05]

There is no easiest way to explain Bitcoin to any person other than telling the truth and the importance of Bitcoin. They'll never appreciate the value and role of Bitcoin to them if they won't clearly understand it that is why we shouldn't hurry to teach them but rather do it step by step until we reach the goal. Because Bitcoin is not just a few words or a simple discussion but indeed, it was a long discussion which means that it takes time for the listeners to catch up. especially when we are mentioning some technical terms.

There is always an easier way to explain Bitcoin but the problem is the understanding of the target person.  The easiest way is to say that Bitcoin is like money, it can be transferred, can be bought, can be gift, and can be used to buy merchandise.  Anything that is beyond introducing Bitcoin as money will complicate things.  So if anyone wants to explain Bitcoin in a simple term, just tell them Bitcoin function like currency that is why it is called cryptocurrency.