Imagine Socrates With A Smartphone. On The New York Subway.

A man rides the New York subway asking strangers one simple question:
“What’s your take?” His name is Kareem Rahma, and he’s the creator of SubwayTakes, part underground talk show, part philosophy salon, and part delightful chaos.

He sets up a mic next to a random commuter and listens as they share a strong opinion.
Some are absurd. Some are spot on. All are entertaining. Recent takes include:

• Taking your alcohol back from a party makes you a bad guest.
• Every country should have one nuclear bomb
• We really don’t need so many emojis.

Kareem listens, pokes holes, and then delivers a final verdict: 100% agree, or 100% disagree. The show’s blown up on TikTok and Instagram. It’s raw. It’s funny. And you feel like you are eavesdropping on the world’s most spicy arguments.

But here’s what I love most: it’s not just clever content—it’s human connection. 
And that got me thinking… what if your next presentation felt like that?
What if your keynote had the energy of a subway debate and the intimacy of a 1:1 chat?

Here’s how to bring that “SubwayTakes” spark into a presentation or conference:

1. Kick-off with a hot take. Not a stat. Not a quote. Start with a bold opinion.
   “Emails should be banned.”
   “Meetings are productivity’s worst enemy.”
   You want heads turning, not eyes glazing. Hot takes snap people to attention.
   
   
2. Say: “Agree or disagree?” Then pause.
   That moment of playful friction is where the magic happens. Agreement is polite—disagreement creates energy. It sparks curiosity, debate, even a little tension. And people love it. They want to be asked. They want to weigh in.
   
   
3. Make it interactive. Don’t ask people to “pair and share.“ Ask them to take a stand.
   “Phones at the dinner table, normal or rude?”
   “Do we need more meetings or fewer?”
   “Is leadership overrated?”
   Give them two options. Ask for a show of hands. Quick. Clear. Charged. You’re not delivering a monologue. You’re lighting a match.
   
   
4. Use your MC like a co-conspirator.
   Give your MC a list of cheeky takes and a roaming mic. Let them spark conversation during breaks or transitions.
   “Is AI overhyped?”
   “Should meetings have time limits?”
   “What’s your take on pineapple on pizza?”
   It resets the energy in the room and makes your event alive and fun.
   
   
5. Stay curious, not combative. Kareem doesn’t argue to win. He listens to understand. That’s the secret sauce. Audiences don’t want a debate club. They want a real exchange. So model curiosity. Be surprised. That’s what makes people lean in.
   

Hot takes create heat.
And heat gets attention. So next time you speak, don’t just make points. Make provocations.
Then step back and let the sparks fly.

And if you need a practice round? Find a friend. Ask: “What’s your take?” Then, get ready for the fireworks.

PS: What’s your take? The phrase “let me take you through this slide” has never once led to joy. I will die on this hill.