By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

When you think of “presentation skills,” what comes to mind? Probably a big, formal event with a polished PowerPoint and an audience full of bigwigs, right? But here’s the truth: it’s not just the big moments that shape your career.

It’s the everyday “small” presentations that determine how you are perceived:

→ The project updates in team meetings
→ The impromptu explanations to colleagues
→ The casual one-on-one recaps

These moments are often overlooked, but they can be the difference between staying in your current role and stepping into a promotion or landing the job.

If you’re frustrated because you feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure why others are moving up while you’re not, the answer might be hiding in plain sight: your small presentations might not be delivering the impact they need to.

Present Better, Get Promoted Faster 

Why the Small Presentations Matter So Much

1. They’re the Everyday Test of Your Skills

Big presentations are like final exams: high stakes and rare. Small presentations are the daily quizzes, and they happen all the time. Whether you’re sharing insights with your team, updating leadership on a project, or discussing study data with an HCP, these are moments when people form opinions about your expertise and leadership potential.

Struggle to organize your thoughts or connect with your audience? That doesn’t just impact the meeting; it impacts how people see you.

2. They Define Your Reputation

Every time you speak up, you’re shaping how people perceive you. A clear, confident communicator gets remembered for the right reasons. Someone who rambles, dumps data, or struggles to connect with their audience? Well, that person often gets overlooked.

3. They Showcase Your Leadership Potential

Strong presenters don’t just share information, they:

→ Inspire action

→ Clarify the path forward

→ Rally teams

Whether it’s a virtual one-on-one update or a team meeting, how you communicate is a direct reflection of your leadership readiness. If your small presentations fall flat, so might your chances at that next big opportunity.

The Risks of Overlooking Small Presentations

🚩 Missed Opportunities

If your updates or explanations leave people confused or disengaged, it’s unlikely they’ll trust you with bigger responsibilities. Opportunities to lead projects, influence decisions, or take on new roles can slip through your fingers.

🚩 Damaged Credibility

Even if you’re technically brilliant, poor communication can overshadow your expertise. People might think you’re not ready for more responsibility. Even if you are.

🚩 Career Stagnation

When you consistently struggle to communicate effectively, it sends a message (even if it’s not true) that you’re not ready to move up. Over time, this can leave you feeling stuck while others seem to leapfrog ahead.

Why We Miss the Importance of Small Presentations

Here’s the kicker: most of us focus so much on the big moments that we completely overlook the small ones. The formal presentation to KOLs? That gets weeks of prep. But the quick project update for leadership? That’s where many of us wing it. And guess what? That’s the stuff people remember.

Small presentations aren’t flashy, but they’re constant. They’re the behind-the-scenes moments that shape how colleagues, leaders, and stakeholders perceive you. Ignore them, and you’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools for career growth.

How to Master Everyday Presentations

1. Start Treating Them Like They Matter

Every update, meeting, or conversation is an opportunity to show your expertise and leadership. Approach them with the same care you’d give a big presentation. Because, in a way, they’re even more important.

2. Use Proven Frameworks

Structure doesn’t just help your big presentations. It works for the small ones too. Frameworks like the Rule of Three, storytelling techniques, or even a simple “Problem, Experience, Transformation” structure can help you organize your thoughts and make your message stick (learn these and more in our Presentation Mastery course). These tools aren’t just for TED Talks. They’re for your everyday interactions.

3. Know Your Audience

Tailoring your message to your audience is critical. Are you speaking to scientists, leadership, or sales teams? Each group has different expectations, and your presentation needs to meet their needs, not yours.

4. Practice the Art of Storytelling

Want to stand out? Learn to tell a great story. Even when you’re presenting data or giving an update, weaving in a narrative helps people connect to your message. What’s the “why” behind your numbers? Why does your update matter? A well-told story can make even the most technical topic engaging. Get a simple trick to turn data into compelling narratives in our free 30-min webinar:

5. Invest in Your Skills

Presentation skills aren’t just something you’re born with. They’re something you build. If you’re serious about leveling up, take a course, seek coaching, or get feedback to refine your skills. (Hint: MSL Mastery’s Presentation Mastery Course is designed for exactly this.)

Conclusions: Present Better, Get Promoted Faster

If you’re frustrated because you’re not getting promoted or recognized, ask yourself this: how are you showing up in those everyday moments? The quick updates, the impromptu explanations, and the seemingly small presentations are what people remember most.

The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. By sharpening your presentation skills, even for those small moments, you can:

→ Transform how others see you
→ Open doors to new opportunities
→ Finally move forward in your career

Because every presentation is an opportunity to lead, inspire, and engage. And when you do that, promotions aren’t far behind.