Crossword Genius

Drinking beers, closely follow persuasive argument (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sales talk

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'persuasive argument' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'drinking beers closely follow' is the wordplay.
'drinking' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are consumed or drunk).
'beers' becomes 'ales' (ale is a type of beer).
'closely follow' becomes 'stalk' (stalk is a kind of follow. I am not sure about the 'closely' bit.).
'ales' placed inside 'stalk' is 'SALES-TALK'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sales talk that I've seen before include "promotional activity" , "lure to customer" , "Persuasive material" , "Pitch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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