Edition 4: General Presentation Skills
Presentation skills are your differentiator. Whether you're navigating an interview, meeting with KOLs, or leading internal conversations, your ability to deliver complex data with clarity and confidence can elevate every interaction. A well-crafted presentation doesn’t just share information—it drives influence and builds credibility.
In Edition 4 of the Medical Affairs Spotlight Newsletter, we’re diving into presentation mastery. So you can communicate with confidence, engage your audience, and leave a lasting impression.
Here’s what’s inside:
✅ Tom’s Takeaways: Learn the must-know strategies from MSL leaders on how to structure a compelling, memorable presentation.
✅ Featured Blog: Discover why new MSLs are failing field certification (spoiler alert: it's related to their presentations).
✅ Expert Recommendation: Master the skills that top MSLs use to engage KOLs and ace high-stakes presentations.
✅ Poll Results: Are MSLs prioritizing presentation skills? See what your peers are saying!
Elevate your presentation skills, refine your delivery, and make an impact with every conversation!
MSL Talk Podcast: "How to Architect a Presentation for an MSL Interview"
In this episode of MSL Talk Podcast, Josh Yoder, Regional MSL Director, and Kendra Pelz, Medical Science Liaison, break down how to "architect" a presentation for an MSL interview. They share practical strategies to help you deliver a structured, engaging, and impactful presentation that stands out.
Here are Tom’s biggest takeaways that didn’t make it into the episode (and apply to all presentations!):
1️⃣ Double your prep time. Whatever time you think you need to prepare: double it. Mastery of your content is non-negotiable for a confident and compelling delivery.
2️⃣ Choose a topic you know inside and out. If given a choice, select a subject you are most comfortable with scientifically. A strong, well-delivered presentation beats an overly complex one every time.
3️⃣ Less is more. Too many slides can overwhelm you and your audience. Keep your slide count lean and purposeful so you can present at a steady, controlled pace.
Want to ace your MSL presentation? Tune in to the full episode for expert insights! 🎧
Featured Blog Post: "What is MSL Field Certification and Why is Everyone Failing it?"
In our latest blog post, we unpack why MSL field certification has become such a major hurdle and what separates those who pass from those who don't.
👉 The truth? Most MSLs don’t fail because they lack knowledge. They fail because they:
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Struggle to tell a compelling story with the data
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Freeze when asked tough, unexpected questions
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Sound more like presenters than peers
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Use unapproved or disorganized materials
Certification isn’t just about proving what you know. It’s about showing you can communicate it with clarity, confidence, and relevance.
This is proof: great presentation skills aren’t optional, they’re the difference between passing and failing.
Read the Full Post Now - Click Here
Expert Recommendation: Presentation Mastery
Delivering a compelling presentation isn’t just about knowing the science. It’s about communicating it with clarity, confidence, and impact. Whether you’re preparing for an MSL interview, a KOL meeting, or an internal presentation, mastering this skill can set you apart.
That’s why we recommend the Presentation Mastery Online Course, designed specifically for pharma and biotech professionals. This course helps you:
✅ Structure your presentations for maximum engagement
✅ Simplify complex data without losing scientific integrity
✅ Deliver with confidence—even under pressure
💡 Pro tip: The best MSLs aren’t just experts in science; they’re experts in communication.
🔗 Ready to level up your presentation skills?
Enroll Now & Elevate Your Presentations
Poll Results: How MSLs Feel About Presentation Prep
In a recent poll, we asked: How do you feel about ‘storytelling’ for sharing data as a Medical Affairs professional? The results are in, and the majority have spoken!

💡 Key takeaway: Storytelling is a powerful tool for Medical Affairs professionals. It enhances engagement, improves retention, and makes complex data more relatable. If you’re not using it yet, it might be time to start!
👉 Want to be part of the conversation? Connect with us for more insights and weekly polls!
That’s it for Edition 4 of the Medical Affairs Spotlight Newsletter!
Which presentation tip are you most excited to apply? Hit reply and let us know!
See you next Friday!
Your MSL Mastery Team,
Sarah, Patrina, Tom, and Ralph
📅 P.S. Ready to take your presentation skills to the next level? Join our Presentation Course for Pharma & Biotech here!
📩 P.S.S. Looking for a quick win? Try reducing your slide count—less is more when it comes to impactful presentations!
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