I too would not mind getting just a tad faster with my cutting for competition purposes. The guys this past week at Nationals were unbelievable. The ONLY thing faster is a real hen! Cutting while I am hunting I'm not so worried about. Someone once showed me an exercise to learn to cut faster and I use it all the time. Start out and cut (1) note, then (1-2) notes, then (1-2-3) notes, then (1-2-3-4) notes... all the way to 10 notes in a row. If you have to start slow, then start slow. Just make sure each and every note is on its own. The more you practice, the faster you'll get. As far as mechanics, I use more of my tongue and quick burst of air then I do my lips. Just my .02...