I was lucky enough that the woman I was with for my first time actually wanted to teach me how to please her. I remember the first thing she said was "I'm going to teach you how to please me, let you explore me. But remember that what I teach you doesn't necessarily work for other women, but the basics can be transferable." I've never met another woman like her since. Ones I usually meet just jump into bed and look at me like "I'm in your bed, you better know how to please me!" And it's just off putting.
I'm not an expert at it, and I'm not "Intuitive" or very receptive to even the most obvious signs (Hell, I usually have sex with a person atleast 2-3 times before I have a good idea of what they want). But I think it's all down to having some kind of connection or spark, and a willingness to learn and please. Also, show you're enthusiasm,not too much, not too little, but just enough can make a huge difference.
Having said that, I think taking the time to really get to know how your partner works and telling them how you work through verbal communication, would improve sex for both sides. Even the simple "That's it, right there" or "Faster" are more than enough, especially if said the right way.
And it's become a bit of a bitch fest in here hasn't it?