Give an overview of what to accomplish during the class period. Give a brief summary at end of period and preview of next class. I often summarize and point out main ideas. I make sure every topic is summed up and leads into the next topic. Ask the students to explain it back to you, briefly in writing to check that they got it.
Real understanding involves being able to explain so that anyone can get it.
I synthesize the topic and make it accessible to the student. Rather than going through a lot of different topics, I cover a few in great depth . Having students stay with a few topics and figure out everything about those provides a longer lasting learning experience than jumping through a lot of different things. Using comparisons from the students' world gives the students a 'peg' on which they can hang a point or concept. I look at teaching undergraduates as a wonderful chance to unlock the world to them.