Pumpie,
New leaves won't fill in your leggy Persian shield without intervention. Pinching back is effective for getting new growth to branch out but does nothing to replace bare lower growth.
Go ahead and take 5-6" green tip cuttings to start new
plants. As someone advised, start the cuttings in moistened well draining peat based soil, and tent until rooted. The tent retains moisture so the cuttings likely won't need watering until rooted. Watch for condensation within the tent. If the walls of the plastic condense, open the tent to allow excess moisture to escape, then reseal.
However, if you want your current
plant to fill in and regain its beauty, best to prune the leggy branches by at least a third, more if desired to a couple inches above the soil line (it wont' hurt or harm the
plant). Make cuts 1/4" above nodes where new leaves form. Be forewarned the
plant will look terrible for a few months until new leaves grow in. If you choose to prune at this time of year, know that growth is slow in the reduced light of winter.
Rapid growers,Persian shields are prone to legginess, especially they are grown in insufficient light. To prevent legginess in the future, provide the Persian Shield with as much light as possible when you're keeping it indoors. Direct sunlight is best (outdoors, keep sheltered from the sun on the hottest summer days as leaves bleach out, or worse, burn.
Best of luck with reviving your Persian Shield!
Star