Before we get to specific techniques, understand that although these are believed to be best and are most frequently seen among top shooters, you may find that for your hand size and body build, etc., that some variation works better for you, and that's fine– you need to experiment - to learn, and to optimize.   Consider these recommendations as a good place to start. Another good tip for beginners: try to forget everything you've "learned" about guns from watching television. 90% of film and TV producers are notoriously ignorant of firearms and technique.

Very few beginners use an optimized grip.   In the early eighties Arizona shooters Brian Enos and Rob Leatham took the practical shooting world by storm with some revolutionary new ideas which they proved superior.   The grip and stance that they refined have now become standard. The superiority of this grip is well settled. (There are virtually no Grandmasters seen using any other grip)

The “thumbs forward” two-hand “freestyle” grip on a 1911 style gun consists of using the stronghand gripping the gun as high as possible with the thumb on the safety and pointing forward, either with no slide contact or very light slide contact.   The weak hand palm wraps around the ends of the stronghand fingers, again with the thumb pointing forward. The weak hand is slightly angled down - when the weak hand fingers are straightened, they shoud fan down at about 45 degrees.   Grip pressure varies with the individual, but generally, use about the same as gripping a hammer, the only difference is that the weak hand uses more squeeze than the strong hand.

This style of grip works best with the isosceles arm position.   The gun is held directly in front of you, with each arm almost fully extended, but not quite. Try it with the gun back an inch from full arm extension. Forget push/pull - instead - both arms perform as equal shock absorbers.   Try to position the gun sights to be in line with your natural head position.

When you draw from a belt holster, let both arms make similar movements and try to avoid moving anything else.   Ideally, you should grip and withdraw the gun, bring it up to join the weak hand about six inches in front of your chin, then steer it to the target while clicking the safety off.   The final movement should be pushing straight forward while remaining on the sight plane.  

After about a thousand practice draws, you will develop what's referred to as your index.   While squarely facing the target, looking at the A zone, you will be able to close your eyes, draw, open your eyes and discover that the sights are aligned in the center of that a-zone.   You will then have developed your index - your natural point of aim. Use this squared-up position whenever possible - think of your upper torso as a "turret" positioned with your legs and hips.

Stance is somewhat more varied between individuals, but generally consists of the feet being somewhat spread, with knees slightly bent.   Your weight should be slightly forward ready to accept the recoil.   If the recoil is pushing you off balance, only your first shot will be optimal. New shooters often stand too upright - bend your knees and lean into the target.