Communication Playbook
Daniel Batten's method for effective Bitcoin communication. Learn the principles, techniques and pitfalls.
The 4 Core Principles
Truth First
Never exaggerate, never lie. Acknowledge what is true in the criticism. If Bitcoin mining actually caused problems in Kazakhstan in 2021, say so. Credibility comes from honesty, not from spin.
Influence, Don't Just Inform
Create emotional connection BEFORE presenting data. Show that you understand their perspective. People don't change their minds because of data alone — they change when they feel heard first.
Check Your Intention
Are you responding to educate and serve — or to win a debate? Only the first approach works. If you're trying to 'own' someone, you'll trigger their defenses and accomplish nothing.
Authority + Humility
Cite evidence confidently. Be humble about complexity. 'The research shows X, but this is a complex and evolving field' is more persuasive than 'You're wrong, here's the proof.'
Techniques with Examples
See the FUD, the wrong response, and the right response side by side.
FUD Triage
Before responding — assess whether it's worth your energy.
Fight
- High-profile accounts spreading misinformation
- Media articles with factual errors
- Regulatory comments based on outdated data
→ Deploy your strongest evidence-based response
Ignore
- Anonymous trolling
- People arguing in bad faith
- Comments with no audience/reach
→ Walk away. Use your energy better.
Educate
- Genuinely curious people
- People citing outdated data
- Friends/family sharing mainstream FUD
→ Lead with empathy, use questions, provide sources
Never Say These
These phrases destroy credibility and close conversations.
“Do your own research (DYOR)”
Dismissive and rude — closes the conversation
“Bitcoin's energy use is a rounding error”
Minimizes a real number — destroys credibility
“But Christmas lights use more energy!”
Whataboutism — doesn't address the argument
“You just don't understand Bitcoin”
Condescending — shuts down dialogue
“Personal attacks of any kind”
Always attack the argument, never the person
“HFSP (Have Fun Staying Poor)”
Toxic, tribal mentality, counterproductive
“Bitcoin fixes this”
Vague and cult-like sounding to outsiders