Amirhossein Modarres: A Presenter Is Not Meant to Trap or Provoke
According to Khabar Online quoting Jam-e Jam, Amirhossein Modarres is currently busy correcting and explaining manuscripts and publishing them. He has moved to a village to find peace for this work. Of course, he hasn’t abandoned radio work and has a daily program called ‘Adabiyato’ (Literature) on Radio Saba. He also hosts the ‘Friday Noon Story’ program on the same radio network. He states that the reason for moving to the village is to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, so he can better engage in the field of Persian language and literature; especially since one of his books has won the Book of the Year award. Nevertheless, he says that if a suitable offer is made by television for program production or even in the form of film and series, he will consider it; albeit with caution and strictness. Modarres should be considered one of those presenters who dedicate time to their work and do not go on air without knowledge and awareness. We raise the topic of the article with him to hear about his decades of experience in this field.
Modarres begins his remarks by emphasizing the importance of a presenter’s mastery of language and history and tells Jam-e Jam: Regardless of a speaker or presenter’s specific field of expertise and the type of program they intend to host – whether it’s economic, sports, or social programs – one thing is certain: a presenter, in addition to their specialized field, must be knowledgeable about the history and background of the topic they are working on. For example, an economic speaker or presenter needs to know the history of global and Iranian economics; just as a sports presenter must be aware of the history of sports and its various branches. This issue applies to all fields, but a point that, in my opinion and based on decades of professional experience, is certain and undeniable, is paying attention to several fundamental principles in the profession of presenting. First and foremost, presenters must know the Persian language and literature well. A speaker or presenter who is not familiar with the history of literature and the history of the Persian language – whether generally or specifically, and even at a deeper level according to personal inclination – effectively does not properly understand their main working tool. To put it better, if such knowledge does not exist, it is better for that person not to enter the field of presenting.
The Need for Literature at Every Level
He also states: If we look at basic sciences, even if you are a mathematician, physicist, or a prominent scientist, to explain a mathematical problem or present a physical law or any other scientific topic, you will need to explain these concepts using words. Entering this realm essentially means entering the world of literature. That is, you must be rich enough in terms of vocabulary and concepts to be able to accurately and effectively express a mathematical problem or scientific law through various methods and ways. This is how literature, in its true sense, holds great importance in all disciplines and basic sciences. Therefore, if this ability is not available to the individual, the quantity and quality of work of all speakers and presenters – whether in scientific fields or other areas – will undoubtedly face serious problems. Modarres, referring to other necessary techniques and skills for a presenter, says: A speaker or presenter, in addition to mastering language and literature, must have sufficient knowledge of history and culture. Familiarity with human knowledge and the cultures of different peoples of the world is also essential for this profession. Sometimes you need to use examples from different cultures, including those of other peoples, proverbs, or even historical points to explain a topic or provide an example. These can effectively serve as examples in various programs, including economic, political, or sports fields. This indicates that mastery of literature and cultural knowledge, especially because Persian literature is naturally intertwined with various forms of knowledge, plays a fundamental role in the performance of a speaker or presenter. In my opinion, these are essential pillars for a professional presenter and speaker. A presenter may face differences in various branches. For example, in areas like politics, social issues, or policymaking, it may be necessary to adopt specific methods. These methods must be based on principles and transparency. I have never believed that a speaker or presenter should be pushy or try to trap others. Especially in recent years, we have witnessed a kind of incorrect trend in some presentations that is damaging.
A Presenter Does Not Need to Be Pushy
Regarding why some people try to trap others and no longer pursue real challenges, Modarres says: One of the fundamental principles I have always emphasized is the science of logic and argumentation. If a speaker or presenter is familiar with the knowledge of logic, meaning they can study books related to this science and understand its principles, they will be able to argue logically and correctly. They will understand how to comprehend contradictions and differences, how to identify inconsistencies, and how to build up an argument. In the terminology of logicians, they know what the minor and major premises of the topics are and how to arrange logical arguments. When someone possesses knowledge and logical analysis, they will not need to be pushy or try to trap others. Logical arguments are well capable of advancing the discussion, challenging the other party, while maintaining composure and leaving the final judgment to the audience. In this case, the presenter or speaker does not place themselves in the position of a judge but rather provides an environment for the audience to judge based on the available arguments and evidence.
