What is the best technique for grating?

Try sliding whatever you're grating away from yourself in short strokes on the grater, and turn it frequently so you can readjust your fingers.

I bought the gloves that AmyW mentioned, but I've only used them with my mandoline because that's where I cut myself all the time. But I'm sure they'd work with the grater also.

You can try wrapping a kitchen towel around your fingers but microplanes are pretty forgiving unless you are trying to get every last shred out of the object being grated.

We bought BladeX5 57100 Classic Cut & Slash Resistant Gloves from Amazon because my husband can't seem to use the mandoline without, well ... and I've also worn one when microplaining. No cuts or scrapes!