Start by using Clip Gain to adjust anything too loud or too soft(I do this even WITH compression). Once that is done, I use BF76 set to just catch the peaks, followed by SMACK! to add more compression and "character"(SMACK! is Avid's take on the LA-2A tube compressor). After that, I will automate the volume. If that STILL needs more, I insert Waves Vocal Rider in the top insert slot(but I rarely need it)
If you are still working with ONLY the stock plugins, SMACK is often available on the second-hand market for around $50(plus the usual $25 iLok transfer fee) and is worth every penny. The next plugin you will want is a good reverb(Dverb is okay, but there are tons of more versatile reverbs out there).