Speak frankly, possibly with spirit (5)

I believe the answer is:

level

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'speak' is the definition.
(I know that level is a type of speak)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for level that I've seen before include "status" , "Palindromic storey" , "Storey - stage" , "Standard" , "Even - equal" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app