Celestia and Twilight were sitting in one of the larger speaking halls in Canterlot castle. Twilight had been unnerved by the number of ponies that had crowded the hall when Celestia had made important speeches. Twilight felt the sheer size of the hall felt even more now that it was empty and completely quiet. As a soon to be crowned Princess of Equestria Twilight had a fair idea of why she and Celestia were here and she was not looking forward to it.
“I suppose you know why I brought you here Twilight,” Said Celestia
Twilight sighed. “I have to make an important speech after my coronation. You want me to practice.”
“Practice, yes. For that speech and the many to follow. As well as practicing for the nobles, ambassadors and dignitaries that you will need to deal with from time to time.”
Twilight cringed at the thought. She was a scholar, an academic, not a politician.
Twilight’s discomfort did not escape Celestia’s notice. “I understand that such interaction are not your calling. And, I assure you that I will attempt to call upon you sparingly, just ask Cadence and Luna, but this is a necessary skill.
“Truth be told Luna still has difficulty. she gets so nervous she slips into the Royal Canterlot voice half the time.”
Twilight chuckled softly at her memory of the last Nightmare Night. Though Luna did seem more comfortable around herself and her friends now.
“You’ve been very quiet so far Twilight. Why don’t you get up on stage and try a little improvisation. Its a good skill for speeches and a better one for one on one meetings.”
Twilight gulped and started walking towards the stage. Upon reaching the podium Twilight felt like she had become Fluttershy. Even with only a patient Princess in the audience Twilight felt like she was being judged by all the empty seats.
“Um, Fillies and Gentalcolts … um … Hi?” Twilight was had no idea what she was doing.
“Just imagine you are giving a lecture on Magic,” suggested Celestia.
“Ok, how about you start by actually giving a lecture on Magic.”
“Ooo, where should I begin?” Twilight’s eyes were wide with anticipation.
"Ahem." After clearing her throat a giddy Twilight began what sounded like a thesis recitation. “According to Thornhoof the four fundamental component of magic are the elemental domains of air, earth, fire and water. But, I am going to show you here tonight that these magics, as well as all others in fact emerge from the conflict between two much more fundamental forces of magic: Order and Chaos magic.”
Five minutes into what would undoubtedly have been a long and thorough and long and did I mention long lecture by Twilight, Celestia raised a hoof to silence her.
“Very good, Twilight. Perhaps now you could try a speech on the ‘Greatness of Equestria’. Such speeches can do much to raise the spirits of our little ponies.”
“Hmm, well, of all the nearby nations Equestria has the highest standard of living and lowest crime rate. Only Saddle Arabia has a comparable GDP and that is due to their strategic location on the major trade routes. In fact, the Griffon Kingdom is kept afloat by Equestrian investments in most of its major industries. Not to mention the Equestrian military presence in -”
Twilight was cut off by Celestia “Try less facts and more emotion.”
“Um, Equestria is … great? Yay?” Twilight gave a weak hoof pump
Celestia sighed. “Perhaps we should stick to prepared speeches for now.”
Twilight gave a crooked grin. “Memorization I can do.”
“Alight, that is enough for now. Meet me back here tomorrow at the same time.”
Twilight looked at the clock on the well. Not much time had passed since they started. “If you say so.” Even though Twilight knew this was training, not a test she could not help ask “So, how did I do? For my first attempt I mean.”
Celestia walked up Twilight and put a wing across her back.“I am always proud of you.” This made Twilight beam with joy. “But, I think that I am going to arrange for some extra help.”
Embarrassed, Twilight responded weakly “Yeah thats probably a good idea.”
The next day Celestia arrived to find Twilight already trying to practice. Telling terribly unfunny jokes and listing off facts. Anything to try and become more comfortable.
“Practice makes perfect my Faithful Student. But I do fear your desire to impress me may be distracting you from actually learning this skill. As such, I have arranged a tutor to help you learn how to ‘put on airs.’ Here she comes now.
Twilight looked around Celestia and was very surprised to see the approaching mare.
“Ah, Sparkle, are you ready?” A familiar show pony said.
“Trixie? YOU are going to be my teacher? Why did you agree to this? No offence but I was under the impression that you still didn’t like me much.”
“You have taught Trixie something valuable. Trixie will now return the favour.”