The term 'artfully persuasive in speech' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: ELUDE (5 letters) and SLY (3 letters). ELUDE means to avoid or escape from, while SLY means crafty or cunning. Together, these words suggest that artfully persuasive speech is a type of communication that is cleverly crafted to avoid being pinned down or challenged. It is a way of speaking that is designed to be persuasive without being too direct or obvious.