Mastering the Media Moment: From Studio to Zoom to Print

I read something recently from a TV producer on Reddit that stopped me mid-scroll:

“Newer execs don’t know how to take cues of wrapping it up or being cut off. My suggestion is to get them comfortable with summing up their thoughts quickly and being cut off. Cut them off during training. Even when you’re speaking with them in the hallways, catch them off guard—tell them they have ten seconds to finish.”

It’s blunt. And brilliant. And it inspired us to share our go-to media training essentials for executives, because real media moments don’t come with a script. Here’s what we teach at Junapr.

The ABC Rule: Always Be Camera-Ready

Whether it's a cable news hit, a Zoom interview with a trade reporter, or a last-minute request from the internal comms team—you are the brand, which means your message, your energy, and your clarity matter. Always.

5 Media Drills That Actually Work

1. Cut-Off Coaching
In training, interrupt mid-thought. Ask them to wrap in 10 seconds. This gets them comfortable finishing a sentence without spiraling.

2. The Three-Word Test
Answer the question in three words. Then build back up. It forces message clarity and teaches discipline.

3. Speed Round Q&A
Fire off 10 questions in 5 minutes. No long intros. Just fast, focused answers.

4. Hallway Hijacks
Randomly say: “You’ve got 30 seconds. What’s our differentiator?” Catch them off guard, just like the media will.

5. Message Boomerangs
Practice bridging techniques: acknowledge the question, then boomerang back to the message. “That’s a good point. What we’re seeing, though, is...”

LIVE TV vs. ZOOM: What to Know

Live TV / On-Camera Studio

• You’ll have seconds, not minutes. Land one clear message—fast.

• Watch the body language of the host/producer. When they lean forward, it’s a cue to land your point.

• Know the time limit. 3 minutes on air = 90 seconds of you speaking time. Tops.

• Energy needs to be dialed up 10–15%. Think enthusiastic, not shouting.

Zoom / Virtual Interviews

• You might get more time—but don’t ramble. Zoom fatigue is real.

• Look at the camera lens, not the screen. You’ll seem more direct and confident.

• Clean, branded background. (No virtual beaches. No kitchen clutter.)

• Check your lighting. Side light = best friend. Overhead light = tired raccoon eyes.

Print & Digital Interviews: A Different Beast

No camera doesn’t mean no prep.

• They can’t see your passion—so your words have to carry it.

• Stick to full sentences. No “you know what I mean?”—they won’t.

• Offer specific proof points: numbers, examples, short anecdotes.

• Avoid jargon. Your quote might run alone—make sure it’s clear without context.

Pro tip: Ask what kind of story it is. A quote in a trend piece is different from a profile Q&A.

Don’t Forget the Visuals

Yes, we have to say it: how you show up visually matters. Dress the part. Avoid busy patterns and distracting accessories. Make sure your look matches the message—calm confidence, approachability, or energy—whatever tone you’re aiming to project.

The best media moments are short, clear, and repeatable. They don’t rely on the perfect question or perfect conditions—they rely on preparation.

So cut them off. Put them on the spot. Time them. Because when the real moment comes, they won’t rise to the occasion—they’ll fall back on their training.