You Have 7 Seconds—Don’t Blow It: Media Interview Tips for the Camera-Shy (and Camera-Annoyed)

You Have 7 Seconds—Don’t Blow It: Live Interview Tips for the Camera-Shy (and Camera-Annoyed)”

Let’s be honest: being interviewed 'Live' by a journalist can be right up there with assembling IKEA furniture—awkward, stressful, and filled with the potential for public disaster.

But here’s the truth, and it’s non-negotiable: in a media interview, your first impression is EVERYTHING.

And you’ve got seven seconds to make it.

Seven! Not seventy. Not “once I warm up and find my groove.” Seven seconds to show viewers and listeners that you’re credible, relevant, and worth paying attention to.

Yet, what do many spokespeople do in that precious opening window? They burn it by thanking the reporter (“Thanks for having me…”) or launching into a ramble that’s as exciting as a hold music playlist.

Let’s not do that.

Here’s how to treat those first seven seconds like prime real estate instead of dead air:

1. Open with a bang—not a babble.
Don’t wait for permission to be compelling. Drop a bold, relevant statement right out of the gate.
Not fluff. Facts.

Instead of, “Thanks for having me,” try:

“This policy change is costing companies millions.”

Now! you’ve got their attention.

2. Look alive.
You don’t have to be a TV anchor, but you do have to look like you care. Sit up. Shoulders back. Speak with purpose. If you don’t seem engaged, why should anyone else be?
Confident enough to use the interviewer name while speaking? - That will change the dynamic in your favour, in the moment, as well. (we'll talk about this another time)

3. Give the soundbite early.
Think of it like a movie trailer—you’re giving the audience the good stuff fast.
Don’t save the zinger for the end when half the viewers are already scrolling.

Make your money line unforgettable, early and often.

4. Land with leadership.
End your answer with a phrase that positions you as the expert.
Something like:

“Here’s what people need to understand…”

You’re not just sharing opinions—you’re guiding the conversation.

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Bottom line: You’re not in a media interview to chit-chat. You’re there to lead, influence, and frame the narrative.

Own the first seven seconds, and you own the story.

Feeling rusty? Camera-shy? Just plain allergic to microphones? That’s what media training is for. We help you turn those seven seconds into your strongest asset—not your biggest regret.

Book a session at speakingofmedia.com

Because your message matters. And it deserves more than a “thanks for having me.”