What's the best way to improve your rimming technique?

I'm pretty experienced, but not with any of the *lingus (i.e. cunnilingus, analingus) stuff because I've never had partners who were interested until now. My technique is, needless to say, lacking.

I tried the alphabet trick and licking it like an ice cream cone... but it wasn't all that pleasureable for my partner.

Practice makes perfect? Or are there some better ways to hone the technique? less