Anyone can be polished with 3 weeks to prepare.
But that’s not how the job works.
Real MSLs get pulled into high-stakes situations with little to no warning:
► And how you handle those moments is what sets you apart.
And this week, we’re giving you 3 techniques to help you perform under pressure.
5 Real-World Scenarios That Test Even the Best MSLs
1️⃣ You're pulled into a last-minute call with a Medical Director you’ve never met.
No agenda. No context. Just: “Can you join real quick?”
→ What’s your game plan to make a strong impression and add value?
2️⃣ Your commercial counterpart asks, “Can you join this customer dinner tonight?”
You weren’t planning to attend. You haven’t prepped.
→ How do you show up credible and compliant or decline without tension?
3️⃣You’re in a cross-functional meeting and someone asks, “Do we have any insights on this?”
You haven’t been tracking that topic.
→ How do you respond without losing credibility or derailing the conversation?
4️⃣You’re presenting at a dinner program, and your slides won’t load.
Six KOLs. All eyes are on you.
→ Can you still deliver the message without defaulting to filler or panic?
5️⃣ A peer challenges your data mid-presentation.
You didn’t expect it, but everyone’s listening.
→How do you keep composure and stay in control of the room?
These are the moments that separate polished from prepared.
1. Use a Mini-Framework in the Moment
Organize your answer like this:
Context → Key Point → Implication
“At our last advisory board (context), KOLs raised concerns about [X] (key point), which may signal an opportunity for [Y] (implication).”
This structure keeps your response crisp, strategic, and relevant, even if you’re caught off guard.
2. Master Transition Phrases That Buy Time
You don’t need the perfect answer right away. You need a confident response that holds space while you think.
Try:
“That’s a great question, let me take a second to organize my thoughts.”
“Before I answer, can I ask which aspect you’d like me to focus on?”
These give you breathing room and keep the conversation productive.
3. Practice for the Real World, Not the Ideal One
Perfect slides won’t save you when the unexpected hits.
That’s why we built The Elite Presentation Lab. So you can rehearse the messy, unscripted moments that actually happen in the field.
Inside EPL, you’ll:
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Practice real-life MSL scenarios on video
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Get instant AI-powered feedback and coaching
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Build the confidence to stay sharp under pressure
First cohort starts July 15, and it's filling up fast
If you want to be ready for anything, this is the place to train.
Not for perfect presentations. For real field impact.
👉 Join The Elite Presentation Lab now
Your Turn:
Which of these 5 scenarios felt a little too familiar?
Have one of your own to add?
Hit reply and share it. We’d love to include it in a future issue.
To your success,
Sarah, Patrina, Tom & Ralph
P.S. Happy birthday to Ralph!
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