It’s April Fool’s Day - the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the gullible and make anyone believe what they want to believe. Make it funny, pull those heart strings, stir up emotion and you’ve got them right where you want them. Don't reveal too much, too soon. Then, when ready, pull the curtain open and yell, “April Fool!” Ah, the satisfaction!
Short on ideas? Here are a few to get your imagination flowing.
1. The Luqa monument has finally been removed
via GIPHY
This well known monument has become something of a Maltese icon. Whether people love it or hate it, the thought of it being gone may certainly cause strong reactions. This may apply to any perceived Maltese icon.
2. Rents in Malta have been slashed down by Government
via GIPHY
This may come as such a relief for all those who have been forced to share an apartment due to the rent inflation of the past five years that it may be quite heartbreaking to tell them it was, um, a joke. They may throw something at you.
3. This year will see the hottest summer in recorded history
via GIPHY
Whaaat? Hotter than usual?? This will probably be met with dread no matter whether the victims love summer or hate it. No matter how much you enjoy the seaside, al fresco dinners and outdoor nightlife, nobody enjoys beads of sweat trickling down their body when they’re only sitting around, late in the evening.
4. MEPA has finally put an absolute stop to further development in Malta
via GIPHY
This may also cause things to be thrown at you as well as a few swear words aimed at MEPA when you disclose that it was just a prank and that development of the Maltese Islands will carry on at the usual rate. It is a bit of a sensitive spot for many, and one they will deeply want to believe, so expect strong emotions. Make sure to keep your head covered.
5. A new Government incentive will transform Maltese roads into a scooter haven
via GIPHY
Really? A one-time Government incentive of 10,000 euro to buy and use a scooter only during weekdays, to keep cars off the road and to reduce traffic and commuting times? This could even be fun. If this were true, I would start looking at MaltaPark for a second hand scooter straight away.
6. Mount Maghtab to be turned into a huge landscaped garden by 2020
via GIPHY
“The Maghtab Park plans have been kept hush-hush but the landscaped garden should be ready to visit by the end of 2019." That will get the conversation going, no doubt. Just tell your colleagues you read it in the paper that morning. They’ll believe you if all they’ve had time to do that day was drink coffee and drag themselves to work.
You see, timing is also crucial. Keep your audience in mind when thinking of what to make them believe and tailor a wonderful trick especially for them!