Have you ever shared an idea that should have worked a presentation, a proposal, a conversation and yet it didn’t land the way you expected? And then other times, you say very little at all, and people are instantly on board. That’s not coincidence. That’s persuasion. One of the most powerful frameworks for understanding why this happens is the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), a model I use every day in my work with leaders, business owners, and dental professionals, and one I now teach in the classroom as well. I recently started teaching a course called Persuasive Communication & Presentations and ELM is one of the foundational models we explore because it explains something essential: how people actually process persuasive messages. The Elaboration Likelihood Model: A Simple Explanation The Elaboration Likelihood Model explains how people process persuasive messages . The key insight? People don’t all process information the same way, or with the same level of effort. According to ELM, persuasion happens through two distinct routes : The Central Route The Peripheral Route Which route someone takes depends on: Their level of motivation Their attention How personally relevant the message feels Understanding this changes everything about how you communicate. The Central Route: When People Think Deeply The central route is activated when people are: Highly engaged Motivated Paying close attention Personally invested in the outcome In these situations, persuasion is driven by: Logic and reasoning Strong arguments Evidence and data Credibility and expertise This is the route people take when making important decisions, strategic business changes, career moves, or complex healthcare choices. Persuasion through the central route tends to be: Longer lasting More resistant to change More meaningful But it requires effort, from both the speaker and the listener. The Peripheral Route: When Cues Matter More Than Content The peripheral route comes into play when people are: Busy or distracted Less personally invested Emotionally driven Making lower-risk decisions Here, persuasion happens through cues , such as: Confidence Likeability Tone of voice Professionalism Authority or social proof We’ve all experienced this: “I trust her, she seems confident.” “Everyone else is doing it.” “This just feels right.” This is not manipulation, it’s human psychology. Where Most Communication Breaks Down One of the biggest mistakes I see in business and professional settings is this: Over-explaining when people aren’t listening Under-explaining when people actually need depth Effective communicators don’t just deliver information, they read the room . They ask: How motivated is my audience? Do they need logic or reassurance? Should I lead with data, or trust? Why This Matters in Business, Leadership & Dentistry For business owners and leaders , this model helps you: Use the central route when introducing strategy or change Use the peripheral route to build confidence, buy-in, and culture For presenters and professionals : Not every slide needs more data Sometimes you are the persuasive message For dental teams : Patients don’t always want technical explanations They want clarity, confidence, and trust The most effective communicators know how to blend both routes intentionally . Ethical Persuasion Starts With Awareness Understanding how people are persuaded isn’t about control, it’s about responsibility. When you know how your message is being processed, you can communicate: More clearly More ethically More effectively And that’s where real influence comes from. Watch the Video I’ve created a YouTube video that walks through the Elaboration Likelihood Model in a clear, practical way, with real-world examples you can apply immediately. 👉 Copy and paste the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub9Y88hntjQ Persuasion isn’t about saying more. It’s about saying the right thing, in the right way, at the right time. And when you understand how people really decide, your communication becomes far more powerful. If you’d like support developing stronger communication, leadership, or influence skills for yourself or your team, reach out! We'd love to chat because persuasion, when used intentionally, is one of the most valuable professional skills you can develop

Public Relations and propaganda exist at opposite ends of a spectrum. When practiced ethically, Public Relations is about: Transparency Trust Long-term relationships Informed decision-making PR seeks understanding. It provides context, acknowledges complexity, and aims to build credibility over time. Propaganda, on the other hand, relies on very different tactics. It often includes: Emotional manipulation One-sided narratives Fear, urgency, or outrage Withholding or distorting information Propaganda doesn’t invite understanding, it seeks compliance. How Propaganda Works Propaganda often follows predictable patterns: Complex issues are reduced to “us vs. them” Messages are repeated frequently and emotionally Selective facts or misleading visuals are used Questioning or nuance is discouraged These tactics limit free choice by narrowing what people are encouraged to see, feel, or think. That’s why propaganda can be powerful, and why it can be so damaging when left unchecked. Identifying Propaganda and Fake News In today’s media environment, being able to recognize propaganda and misinformation is an essential skill, not just for PR professionals, but for leaders, managers, and everyday decision-makers. A few questions to pause and ask: Is this message encouraging me to think, or just react? Are multiple perspectives acknowledged? Is fear or urgency being used to rush my decision? Is the source transparent and accountable? Ethical persuasion invites curiosity. Propaganda discourages it. The more emotionally extreme a message feels, the more important it is to slow down and question it. Why This Matters in Presentations and Leadership This distinction matters deeply for those of us who lead, present, and influence others. As presenters, leaders, and professionals, our responsibility isn’t just to persuade, it’s to persuade responsibly . Strong persuasive presentations: Respect the audience Offer clarity instead of coercion Empower people to choose When people feel respected rather than pressured, trust grows. And trust is what makes influence sustainable. At Enspire Dental Opportunities , much of the work we do with leaders and teams is rooted in these same principles. Whether through leadership development, communication training, team workshops, or support around culture and talent, the focus is always on helping people communicate clearly, lead with confidence, and build trust, not control. If this conversation resonates with you and you’re looking to strengthen communication within your team or organization, I invite you to explore more of what we do at Enspire or simply start a conversation. Ethical communication isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about asking better questions and creating space for understanding. Watch the Video Version If you’d like to explore this topic further, I’ve also created a YouTube video where I walk through persuasion, PR, and propaganda in more depth, with practical examples and real-world context. 👉 Copy & Paste The Link in a New Browser: https://youtu.be/NddHpbdYNu8?si=cV3eyhnz6K4cMOAw Persuasion, at its best, is not about pressure or control. It’s about clarity, respect, and choice . When we understand the difference between persuasion and propaganda, we become more thoughtful communicators, more ethical leaders, and more discerning consumers of information.  And in a world that moves quickly and reacts loudly, that kind of awareness matters more than ever.

Have you ever wondered why some messages resonate immediately, while others, even well-intentioned ones, fall flat? Often, the difference isn’t what is being said. It’s how persuasion is being delivered . Recently, I began teaching as a professor at a College , where I lead a Public Relations course called Persuasive Communication & Presentations . Many of the conversations in that classroom mirror what I see every day in leadership, business, and professional environments: people want to communicate clearly and persuasively, but they aren’t always sure why certain messages work and others don’t. This is where the modes of persuasion , sometimes referred to as persuasive proof , become incredibly helpful. In this blog, I’ll walk you through these foundational principles, explain why they matter, and show how they continue to shape effective communication today. If you prefer to watch or listen, the link included with this post will take you to my YouTube video on the same topic , where I explore these ideas in more depth. What Are the Modes of Persuasion? Persuasion isn’t manipulation. At its best, persuasion is about helping people understand, connect, and choose with clarity . The modes of persuasion come from the work of Aristotle , one of the earliest thinkers to formally study rhetoric, the art of persuasive communication. He introduced what we now call the rhetorical triangle , made up of logos, ethos, and pathos . Although these ideas are centuries old, they remain deeply relevant in leadership, business, Public Relations, presentations, and everyday communication. Logos: Logical Proof The first mode of persuasion is logos , or logical proof. Logos appeals to our reason and thinking mind . It answers questions like: Does this make sense? Is there evidence? Is the reasoning clear? In practice, logos shows up through: Facts and data Statistics and research Examples and explanations Clear cause-and-effect reasoning You might hear logos in statements like: “The data shows a measurable improvement.” “Research supports this approach.” “Here’s what the evidence tells us.” Logos is essential because it helps people understand . But understanding alone doesn’t always lead to trust or action. Ethos: Credibility and Trust The second mode of persuasion is ethos . Ethos is about credibility, character, and trust . It answers a quiet but powerful question: Why should I listen to you? Ethos is established through: Experience and expertise Transparency and honesty Consistency over time Alignment with shared values Ethos isn’t about authority for authority’s sake. It’s about showing up as someone who is reliable, grounded, and accountable . When ethos is strong, people are more open, even before you make your case. Pathos: Emotional Connection The third mode of persuasion is pathos . Pathos appeals to emotion and human experience . It answers: Why does this matter? How does this affect people? What’s the human impact? Pathos shows up through: Stories and personal examples Empathy and compassion Purpose-driven messaging This might sound like: “Let me share a story.” “This matters because it affects real lives.” Pathos is what makes communication memorable . People may debate facts, but they connect through feelings. Why All Three Matter The strongest persuasive communication uses all three modes together : Logos to explain Ethos to build trust Pathos to connect When one is missing: Logos without pathos feels cold Pathos without ethos feels manipulative Ethos without logos feels unclear When all three are present, persuasion feels natural, respectful, and effective . What This Looks Like in Business and Professional Settings These principles show up every day in the workplace. For leaders and business professionals, logos appears when explaining decisions or sharing data. Ethos is built through transparency, consistency, and integrity. Pathos shows up when leaders connect decisions to people, purpose, and impact. In dental offices and healthcare environments , these modes are especially important. Treatment discussions, financial conversations, team communication, hiring, onboarding, and change management all rely on persuasive communication. Patients and team members don’t just want information, they want clarity, trust, and reassurance . When communication balances logic, credibility, and empathy, conversations become clearer, resistance decreases, and trust grows, both internally and externally. At Enspire Dental Opportunities , much of the work I do with leaders and teams is grounded in these same principles of persuasive communication. Whether it’s leadership development, team training, communication workshops, or support around talent and culture, the focus is always on helping people communicate more clearly, lead more confidently, and build environments where both individuals and organizations can thrive. If this topic resonates with you and you’re looking to strengthen communication within your team or organization, I invite you to explore more of what we do at Enspire, or simply start a conversation. Sometimes the most meaningful change begins with clarity around how we communicate. Watch the Video Version If you’d like to explore this topic further, I’ve also created a YouTube video where I walk through the modes of persuasion with practical examples and real-world context. 👉 Copy & Paste: https://youtu.be/x3pMdmtj__E?si=kUgMskTh3gHc9ryn Persuasion isn’t about pressure or control. It’s about connection, clarity, and trust . When we understand how logos, ethos, and pathos work together, we become better communicators, stronger leaders, and more thoughtful influencers, whether we’re presenting, leading a team, or navigating everyday conversations. That’s the power of persuasive communication.

The Three Types of Arguments Used in Public Relations In Public Relations, persuasion isn’t about winning an argument. It’s about shaping perception, building trust, and influencing behaviour — thoughtfully and intentionally. Recently, I began teaching as a professor at Conestoga College , where I lead a Public Relations course called Persuasive Communication & Presentations . Many of the conversations in that classroom, and the questions students ask, mirror the same challenges leaders, business owners, and professionals face every day when trying to communicate clearly and persuasively. Whether you’re a leader, business owner, or professional communicator, the way you frame your message matters just as much as the message itself. Strong PR communication doesn’t rely on one tactic alone; it blends different forms of persuasion to inform, reassure, and connect. In this article, I’ll walk you through the three types of arguments commonly used in Public Relations , why they work, and how they show up in real-world communication. If you prefer to watch or listen, you’ll also find a link below to my YouTube video , where I explore this same topic in more depth. What “Arguments” Mean in Public Relations When we talk about arguments in PR, we’re not talking about confrontation or debate. In a Public Relations context, an argument refers to how a message is framed to influence understanding, perception, and response . PR arguments are designed to: Clarify information Establish credibility Build trust Create connection Encourage thoughtful action The most effective PR messaging uses a balance of logic, ethics, and emotion . 1. Logical Arguments: Appealing to Reason and Facts Logical arguments are grounded in evidence, data, and clear reasoning . They answer the question: Does this make sense? In Public Relations, logical arguments often include: Statistics and metrics Research and reports Timelines and explanations Cause-and-effect reasoning Examples might sound like: “Customer satisfaction increased by 30% after implementation.” “Independent audits confirm compliance.” “Here’s what the data actually shows.” Logical arguments are essential because they provide clarity and credibility. They help audiences understand the situation, the decision, or the outcome. However, logic alone rarely persuades. Facts inform, they don’t always motivate. 2. Ethical Arguments: Building Credibility and Trust Ethical arguments focus on credibility, integrity, and shared values . They answer a different question: Why should I trust you? In PR, ethical arguments show up through: Transparency and accountability Acknowledging responsibility Demonstrating leadership integrity Aligning actions with stated values Ethical messaging often sounds like: “We take full responsibility.” “Here’s what we got wrong — and how we’re addressing it.” “This decision reflects our values and commitments.” Ethical arguments don’t prove that an organization is perfect — they show that it is trustworthy . And in Public Relations, trust is everything. 3. Emotional Arguments: Connecting to the Human Experience Emotional arguments focus on people, stories, and impact . They answer the question: Why does this matter? These arguments appear through: Storytelling Personal experiences Testimonials Empathy and purpose-driven messaging Examples include: “Here’s how this decision affected real people.” “This matters because it impacts families and communities.” “This isn’t just a policy, it’s about people.” Emotion is what makes communication memorable. People may forget facts, but they rarely forget how a message made them feel. Why Strong PR Uses All Three The most effective Public Relations communication blends all three types of arguments : Logic explains Ethics builds trust Emotion creates connection When one is missing: Logic without emotion feels cold Emotion without ethics feels manipulative Ethics without logic feels vague When they work together, communication feels clear, credible, and human. How This Applies in Business and Dental Offices While these three types of arguments are rooted in Public Relations, they show up every day in business environments and professional workplaces, often without us realizing it. For business professionals and leaders , logical arguments appear when presenting data, justifying decisions, or explaining change. Ethical arguments are critical when building trust with teams, addressing challenges, or taking responsibility as a leader. Emotional arguments come into play when communicating vision, acknowledging uncertainty, or helping people understand why something matters. In dental offices , these principles are especially important. Treatment discussions, financial conversations, hiring, onboarding, team communication, and change management all rely on persuasive communication. Patients and team members don’t just want information, they want clarity, trust, and reassurance. For example: Logic helps explain treatment options, policies, or operational decisions Ethics builds confidence in leadership, providers, and the practice as a whole Emotion helps patients feel cared for and team members feel valued When dental professionals and office leaders intentionally balance all three, conversations become clearer, resistance decreases, and trust grows, both internally with teams and externally with patients. This is where effective communication directly impacts experience, culture, retention, and outcomes . Watch the Video Version If you’d like to explore this topic further, I’ve also created a YouTube video where I walk through the three types of PR arguments with real-world examples and practical context. 👉 Copy and Paste the link in a new browser: https://youtu.be/MzPKox0PexM Public Relations, at its best, is about clarity, credibility, and connection . When we communicate thoughtfully, using logic, ethics, and emotion together, we don’t just inform audiences. We build trust, influence behaviour, and create lasting relationships. These same principles apply whether you’re speaking to the public, leading a team, or guiding patients through important decisions. That’s the heart of effective communication.

The end of a year for me invites reflection; not the loud, performative kind, but the honest kind. The kind that asks not “What did I accomplish?” but “What no longer fits?” As I step into 2026, I’m not setting resolutions. I’m setting standards . Here are five things I’m consciously leaving behind in 2025, and five I’m carrying forward with clarity and intention. What I’m Leaving Behind in 2025 1. Overextending Myself to Be “Nice” Saying yes when my energy, time, or intuition said otherwise. Being kind doesn’t require being depleted. 2. Confusing Productivity with Purpose Busy days don’t always equal meaningful progress. I’m releasing the pressure to do more and choosing to do what matters. 3. Relationships That Require Me to Shrink Any dynamic where my growth feels inconvenient, threatening, or “too much.” Expansion should be welcomed, not negotiated. 4. Waiting for the Right Timing There is no perfect moment, only aligned ones. No more delaying decisions that my intuition already made. 5. Self-Criticism Disguised as Self-Improvement Growth doesn’t have to be harsh. I’m leaving behind the voice that mistakes discipline for punishment. What I’m Carrying into 2026 1. Clarity Over Chaos Fewer commitments. Clear priorities. Intentional space to think, lead, and create. 2. Strong Boundaries as a Form of Self-Respect Boundaries are not walls, they are guidelines for how I expect to be treated . 3. Calm, Confident Leadership Leadership rooted in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and trust — not urgency or control. 4. Relationships That Feel Mutual and Grounded Where effort is shared. Communication is honest. And connection feels safe, not confusing. 5. Alignment as My Compass If it costs me my peace, clarity, or integrity, it’s too expensive. In 2026, alignment leads every decision. A Gentle Invitation As you step into this new year, I invite you to ask yourself: What am I ready to release? What deserves to come with me? Where do I need to raise my standards, not my expectations? You don’t need to become someone new this year. You simply need to honour who you already are becoming . Here’s to a year of intention, clarity, and aligned growth. ✨ Welcome to 2026.

The hiring landscape in dentistry has changed dramatically and permanently. The days of posting a job ad and waiting for a dozen qualified applicants to roll in are gone. Today’s dental professionals are selective, career-driven, and looking for more than just an hourly rate. They want culture. They want growth. They want to feel valued. If you want to attract and retain high-calibre team members, you need a recruitment strategy that reflects the modern dental workforce, not the one from ten years ago. 1. Hire Beyond the Résumé Skills matter, but culture fit is what keeps people long-term. One of the most common hiring mistakes dental owners make is focusing only on technical ability. The truth? You can train skill. You cannot train heart, integrity, or emotional intelligence. Your best hires will be the ones who align with your values, communicate openly, collaborate well, and elevate the patient experience. 2. Create a Clear, Compelling Employer Brand Top talent chooses workplaces that stand out. Your dental office needs to showcase not only what you do but who you are. This includes: Your practice philosophy Your leadership style What your team says about working with you Your commitment to mentorship and continuing education A positive, organized, healthy workplace culture Professionals want to join a practice where they can thrive, not just work. 3. Use Strategic Recruitment Instead of Passive Hiring Posting an ad alone won’t fill your vacancy. You need a layered recruitment approach: Active outreach to candidates Industry-specific sourcing Social media recruitment Networking and talent pipelining Employer branding support A consistent, respectful interview and onboarding process This is where many practices fall behind and where outsourcing recruitment becomes a major advantage. 4. Reduce Turnover by Investing in Team Training A strong team isn’t hired, it’s built. The most successful dental practices invest in soft skills, communication training, and personal development. These elements drastically improve: Team cohesion Patient satisfaction Leadership effectiveness Morale and motivation Retention and loyalty Whether through DiSC assessments, professional phone training, conflict resolution workshops, or leadership development, ongoing training strengthens your practice from the inside out. 5. Understand Your Legal Responsibilities (Ontario Highlight) Between probationary periods, employment standards, and termination requirements, owners must understand their obligations. For example, in Ontario, you can terminate an employee within the first three months without notice if a proper employment agreement exists. Without the correct documentation or legal wording, employers may owe statutory notice or pay in lieu, even within probation. This is why having well-structured HR processes is essential to protect your practice and ensure clarity for both parties. Ready to Build a Stronger, More Successful Dental Team? At Enspire Dental Opportunities, we specialize in: ✅ Recruitment for all clinical and administrative roles ✅ Permanent + temp staffing ✅ Leadership development & DiSC training ✅ Team communication workshops ✅ Professional phone skills and front desk training ✅ Onboarding support and ongoing mentorship Whether you’re struggling to find great candidates or you want to strengthen the team you already have, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 👉 Book a discovery call or start your search today: Melissa@EnspireOpportunities.com Your next great hire and your next level of team excellence starts with the right strategy. Let’s build it together!

If there’s one challenge almost every dental practice is feeling right now, it’s recruitment. Whether you’re searching for a skilled hygienist, a dependable assistant, or an experienced associate, the competition for great people has never been tougher. But here’s the good news: great candidates still exist, you just need a stronger, more strategic approach to reach and retain them. Why Hiring Is Harder Than Ever The landscape has shifted. Dental professionals today want more than a job; they’re seeking workplaces with strong culture, supportive leadership, career development, and a healthy work-life balance. If your practice isn’t highlighting these elements, attracting top talent becomes an uphill battle. The most successful offices are now taking a proactive approach to recruitment—one that involves intentional branding, strong communication, and meaningful internal development. What Today’s Dental Professionals Want Through hundreds of placements and conversations across Canada, we’ve seen a clear pattern. Top candidates want: 1. A Positive, Supportive Work Culture People want to feel respected, appreciated, and part of something meaningful. 2. Flexibility & Work-Life Balance Rigid schedules? Not appealing. Fairness and autonomy? Very appealing. 3. Growth, Mentorship & Training Strong candidates want to develop—not stagnate. 4. Stability & Long-Term Opportunity A clear future matters, even for part-time and temp roles. How Your Practice Can Stand Out You don’t need to overhaul your entire practice—small, strategic improvements can make a big difference: Highlight your culture in job ads Showcase your team and environment on social media Offer development opportunities like communication or leadership training Communicate quickly and professionally with candidates Refine your interviewing process to reflect your values When you do these things well, you won’t just attract candidates—you’ll attract the right ones. Why Team Training Matters More Than Ever Hiring is only half the battle. Retention is where practices often struggle. That’s where team training plays a critical role. At Enspire Dental Opportunities, we don’t just help you find great people, we help you keep them. Our training programs are designed specifically for dental teams and focus on: ✔ Everything DiSC® Team Assessments Building stronger communication, improving collaboration, and reducing conflict. ✔ Leadership & Emotional Intelligence Development Supporting owners and managers in leading confidently and effectively. ✔ Customer Experience & Patient Communication Skills Helping your team create unforgettable, trust-building patient experiences. ✔ Workplace Culture & Team Alignment Workshops Creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated. Great training transforms good teams into exceptional ones, and exceptional teams naturally attract top-tier candidates. When your culture and communication are strong, recruitment becomes easier, onboarding is smoother, and employees want to stay long-term. We’re Here to Support Your Hiring and Your Team Development At Enspire Dental Opportunities , we specialize in: Full-time and part-time recruitment Temp staffing across Canada Team training and development workshops Leadership coaching DiSC assessments for individuals and teams Whether you need one great hire or a complete culture reset, we’re here to help you build a team that thrives. Ready to Elevate Your Practice? If you’re hiring, or want to strengthen your existing team—now is the time to take action. 👉 Email us at: info @EnspireOpportunities.com Let’s elevate your team, strengthen your culture, and find the right people who will help your practice grow. Enspire Dental Opportunities: Your Edge in Recruitment, Leadership & Team Success.

Every thriving dental practice starts with one thing, people. The right team doesn’t just deliver great dentistry; they define your culture, elevate your patient experience, and determine your long-term success. Yet one of the biggest challenges many dental leaders face is finding individuals who don’t just fit the role, but grow within it. That’s where the connection between hiring and education becomes so powerful. Hire for Potential, Not Perfection A great hire isn’t always the person with the most years of experience — it’s the person with curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset. Skills can be trained. Character can’t. When you hire for attitude and align values, you create a team that can evolve with your practice and the ever-changing demands of dentistry. Education Builds Excellence Education is the foundation of team development. Ongoing learning — from communication workshops to leadership coaching — turns a group of individuals into a unified, high-performing team. The best offices don’t wait for problems to arise; they invest early and consistently in professional growth. The Ripple Effect When your team feels supported, capable, and confident, that energy radiates outward to patients, colleagues, and the entire community. A well-trained, motivated team doesn’t just improve performance; they transform your practice culture. Ready to Strengthen Your Team? At Enspire Dental Opportunities , we help dental leaders attract exceptional professionals and develop high-performing teams through customized recruitment, coaching, and training programs. Whether you’re hiring your next star team member or investing in your existing one, we’ll help you build a team that grows together. Visit www.enspireopportunities.com to learn more about our recruitment solutions and team development programs.

Rethinking Recruitment and Retention in Dentistry