The Chofetz Chaim says in very strong words, one who has a clean mouth, tries to avoid badmouthing and gossiping, has their road smoothed, their prayers heard quickly, and has great merit.
I assure that reading Artscroll’s A Lesson a Day – which combines Chofetz Chaim and Shmiras Haloshon together – will have positive effects as though Tehillim was read. He will know you have read it, and if your heart is right, will certainly speak on behalf.