Reading mad_jock seems I am omitting the verbal instruction to the plane.
Indeed. I have found that airplanes tend to know when they are being referred to as female dogs, and will then obey. This is a technique best reserved for solo flight, however!
One of the successes is to remove as many variables as possible. Get as much established as far back on final as practical, so on short final, you can focus on timing the flare. This extends to glide approaches. Most airplanes are okay with glide approaches - take the extra time to practice gliding in, and landings with power available will seem easier, then you won't really bother with the power so much.