Crossword Genius

Make a speech, initially outlining charge (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orate

'make a speech' is the definition.
(oratory is public speaking)

'initially outlining charge' is the wordplay.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
'charge' becomes 'rate' (rate is a kind of charge).
The initial letter of 'outlining' is 'o'.
'o'+'rate'='ORATE'

(Other definitions for orate that I've seen before include "Make a formal address" , "Declaim or rant" , "Speak formally" , "Speak in florid style" , "Give a formal address" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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