In learning english or any other language, we really have to speak, think and write in that language. If we want to be able to speak english fluently, we have to keep on talking in english until such time we become very comfortable speaking in english. If we think in english, speaking and writing the language will become easier. Writing in english, I think, is the easiest because you have time to compose your thoughts first.
I completely agree with you, Chocolatee, and that’s why I prefer writing to speaking. I can take all the time I need (and want!) and, sometimes, use terms and expressions that I wouldn’t normally say in speech. No self-consciousness or disagreeable feeling that your interlocutor might be getting bored with what you are saying – reading is optional, whereas listening isn’t always!