Soaking fills up air spaces and can cause the pile to become anaerobic quickly. The optimal size for a compost pile is at least 3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet. This provides enough mass to maintain proper temperatures for composting. Another important ingredient is nitrogen, which may be provided from the atmosphere, or usually from organic matter. Nitrogen is an essential element with which bacteria make amino acids, and therefore, enzymes.
Enzymes enable the bacteria to break down organic matter faster.
Another idea is to shred leaves, kitchen waste etc., making them smaller. This increases the amount of surface area which can be colonized by the microorganisms, therefore increasing the rate of decomposition. A controlled experiment is one which enables you to answer a specific question by testing only one criterion while leaving all other criteria constant. Turn one compost pile periodically, while leaving the other pile to rest. Shred materials before adding to one compost pile, while adding materials to the other pile whole.