Ryan is a presenter who has shared the stage with various celebrities throughout his career, including Wendy van Dijk, Gordon, and Gerard Joling. Ryan says, "Presenting is a challenging job. How do you keep your audience or viewer focused? Your vocal tone, articulation, and mannerisms are three important aspects a presenter must master." In this candid conversation, the presentation professional shares more about his story, his passion, and his sources of inspiration.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Ryan Haripersad and I am 51 years old. I have Surinamese-Hindustani and Persian roots. My current place of residence is Capelle aan den Ijssel, Netherlands.
What did you want to be when you were young?
A pilot! From the age of 5, I was greatly obsessed with airplanes. But around the age of 8, I was inspired by Bollywood and then I already thought: I want to be famous!
What is your background?
I come from a warm family where my parents had good jobs. After my parents' divorce, my mother raised me as a single parent from the age of 15. She is my biggest driving force. Besides my mother, my grandmother and grandfather were my caregivers. Last year, my grandmother unfortunately passed away from Corona, and since then I have founded my online webshop in her memory under the name Kapra.nl. "Kapra" was her catchphrase, meaning clothing. So she lives on in my memories.
If I were to ask your friends/loved ones who Ryan is, how do you think they would describe you?
Ryan is someone who is kind, caring, and enterprising. Helpful and always offering a helping hand. Emotional and goal-oriented.
How would you like to describe yourself?
I am someone who has one principle in life, namely: We are not alone in the world. Our motto should be to help each other. Don't expect help in return, but always offer it whenever you can.
What have you done in terms of education and work so far?
After completing my secondary education (MAVO), I obtained my Middle Management diploma. Then I studied accountancy, of which I completed the propaedeutic phase but did not finish. After that, I pursued two years of Media and Entertainment Management. Through my work, I obtained Communication A and B qualifications.
I have always been in the financial services sector. But at one point, I got tired of it and turned my hobby into my current job. Besides my regular job, I have always been involved in entertainment, from being a reporter to an organizer and presenter. Currently, I work as an event manager at a department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs/RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency).
How did you start as a presenter?
As a boy, I was very modest. I had trouble showing my emotions. I found it very difficult to engage in conversations. And standing up for yourself was something very foreign to me. I then approached some friends of mine who were involved with a local Hindustani TV station. This station was popular in The Hague at the time, called Hindostani TV.
The director (Mr. Ramnewash) then gave me the opportunity to make Bollywood-related programs. Standing in front of the camera wasn't scary, of course. In addition, I was an editorial member of the Hindulife magazine, where I wrote reviews about Bollywood films.
One day, a well-known artist from the Hindustani scene canceled a presentation gig, and I was asked on the spot to replace him. I got to stand next to the well-known Narsingh Balwantsingh, and that's where my journey as a presenter began. From local shows to big events in Ahoy, Rai. Theaters, television gigs, I've presented a lot of elections, and I'm still learning. It's been 11 years now that I've been doing professional presentations. I now mainly focus on social and culturally oriented events.
What has been your most special presentation assignment?
Wow, that's quite difficult to say. Every presentation has its charm. But if I had to name one, it would be the Milan Summer Festival. I've had the opportunity to present it four times, and that's a different story. There's a lot of interaction with the audience, and you're also the director there. I liked that. And also the RTL Viert de Zomer festival in Zwolle, where I was presenting alongside Wendy van Dijk, Gordon, and Gerard Joling. Very nerve-wracking but fun. Through this presentation, I also ended up at Talpa, where I present theater shows. I was first at Endemol and then at Talpa.
What kind of shows or events do you prefer to present yourself?
I enjoy Bollywood shows with artists from India, they are very enjoyable to do because I am a presenter who involves people. I don't like that static stuff. A show is entertainment, and as a presenter, you are part of it. Additionally, I enjoy television gigs where I have to conduct interviews because you can put your own twist on it.
"As a boy, I was very modest. I found it very difficult to engage in conversations. And standing up for yourself was something very foreign to me."
What sets you apart from other presenters?
My charisma, performance, and preparation. I believe a presenter should fit the nature of the event. Being a presenter is not easy. How do you keep your audience or the viewer focused? Your vocal tone, articulation, and mannerisms are three important aspects a presenter must have.
Comments