April Fools’ Day: A Guide to Pranking.

I have had a talent for pranking ever since my senior year of high school. My friend and I used to play the most ridiculous practical jokes on our close friends throughout the year, from phony phone calls to untied shoelaces. Nearly two years on, we still pull undeniably clever pranks on our hometown friends. While not every attempt has been successful over the past two years, I have discovered what makes a prank successful through diligent trial and error.

As April Fools’ Day approaches, I want to share my knowledge in the art of pranking with five different tips and tricks for creating a harmless, practical prank. I present to you the key to being a great prankster.

Plan, Plan, Plan

This first point cannot be overstated.

An effective practical joke requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that all details are covered and its success is guaranteed. Before executing a prank, think about its type, necessary materials, and location carefully. These questions only scratch the surface, but answering them is essential before the fun begins.

Thinking through the different potential reactions to your pranks is almost as entertaining as actually playing them.

Find The Perfect Prankee

Some of us are pranksters, and some of us are prankees. It’s just the way the world works.

When choosing your subject, select someone that you are comfortable with and friendly with. If you pick someone who is unfamiliar with your sense of humor, the joke could quickly turn awkward or hurtful.

It is also important to choose a prankee who is compatible with the context of the prank. If the joke relies on mobile communication, but the subject is often away from their phone, you are likely to fail. It’s also vital to choose someone who appreciates your sense of humor and jokes.

It is best to avoid people who think pranks are immature and insipid.

Capture Evidence

If there is no proof of a prank, was it even played at all?

My friend and I tend to film our stunts religiously. We enjoy recording the live reactions of our prankees and having the footage to look back on later. We even tape responses with the subjects, requesting them to rank our pranks and recollect their real-time thoughts afterward.

While documentation may expose the prankster’s identity, it’s an entertaining way to create physical memories of the joke and everyone involved. And once you have proof, no one can argue you don’t have fantastic pranking abilities.

Effectively Execute

Put on your pranking cap, as everything counts in the end.

All the planning and preparation culminate in the prank’s execution. To ensure success, stay alert and calm. If the prankee catches on, it ruins the prank. Try acting as normal and nonchalant as possible to avoid arousing suspicion.

I also recommend using speed when executing the prank. If the joke drags on, the critical aspect of surprise is lost. Humility and graciousness are crucial in being an excellent prankster, as it is the key to cementing your legacy in the art of pranks.