Gave a zero rated performance as a spellbinder (6)
I believe the answer is:
orated
'gave' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a zero rated performance as a spellbinder' is the wordplay.
'ORATED' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm not sure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for orated that I've seen before include "made a speech" , "Talked pompously" , "Spoke at length" , "lectured" , "Made speeches" .)