When approaching a curve, what is the correct technique?

The standard cornering technique is 'slow, look, lean, roll': (1) Slow before entering the curve, well below your target cornering speed; (2) Look through the curve to where you want to exit, not at the road in front of the wheel; (3) Lean by countersteering smoothly, settling into the lean angle the curve requires; (4) Roll on the throttle smoothly through and out of the curve, maintaining steady or slightly increasing speed. Braking inside a curve is bad practice — it tightens the cornering line, reduces grip, and can cause a low-side crash. Look where you want to go, not at obstacles you want to avoid (the motorcycle goes where you look — 'target fixation' is real).