When changing up a gear, raise the revs slightly and let the clutch out a little more slowly until you feel the engine pulling again - once you do, you can let the clutch out fully and start accelerating as fast as you want.
The same applies if you have been slowing down and then need to accelerate again. No need to change gear or use the clutch - just apply the throttle gently until you feel it turning the back wheel again
In the slow down- speed up scenario, it can help to use the brake pedal. The brake keep the engine pulling on the rear wheel, so that it doesn't get chance to go faster than the engine is pulling - which is what creates the slack.
Its always a good idea to feel that you have got drive at the rear wheel, before you need to use it. That way you spot the odd occasion when you have slipped it firmly into neutral. It's always a crowd pleaser, that trick. You rev the engine to pull away. The engine races to the red line 'cos it is in neutral. Everyone around looks to see what is happening. Just in time to see you perform a pratt fall onto your side.
Get rid of most, but not all of the throttle cable slack.
Put a pillion on the back. You'll know when you are getting it right. You won't be banging heads.