We have listening option on peakd, but preferring reading is better, as it make more sense to me. In my times reading newspaper was considered to be an easiest way to improve English and vocabs. But today, noone bother to read much, they scroll through screens. Reading loud and clear is good for attentive mindset. Not everyone like it, but the way the generation is dependent on screen, the physical reading items may soon vanishes.
It also helps develop voice proficiency, which a lot of people lack these days too. Many people have "lazy" speaking ability.
I controlled my pace of spea h a lot. I used to put 'Areca nut' under my tongue and used to read the news paper. Gradually it get a command over the pace.