Writing to improve your speaking

I have been amazed at how studying foreign languages improves my English and how coaching others in a sport improves my own performance in it. Back to fundamentals! During the past three months I have intentionally trimmed back my speaking schedule and diverted energy into publishing several journal articles. I find that the concentration required to communicate clearly in my "second language" focuses me to state things more precisely and descriptively. I think it'll make me a better speaker when gestures, facial expressions, pacing, etc can be re-incorporated. Has this worked for you?