What does the cryptic crossword clue "Speaking in public once before a politician (7)" mean?

The definition is "Speaking in public". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). OR (synonym="once [archaic form of] ‘before’") + A (synonym="A") + TORY (synonym="politician") = ORATORY; definition: "is" The answer is ORATORY.

Speaking in public once before a politician (7)

Times Cryptic #28829 | 13 Across | 2024-02-02 flower

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