Crossword Genius

What precedes an offer for a persuasive speaker? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pretender

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

'what precedes an offer' is the wordplay.
'what' becomes 'pre' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'precedes' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (some letters come before others).
'an offer' becomes 'tender' (tender can mean to offer something).
'pre'+'tender'='PRETENDER'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pretender that I've seen before include "One acting" , "Claimant to a throne, usually without just title" , "fake" , "One who claims a title or position" , "Claimant, like Bonnie Prince Charlie" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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