[Imp]

Kartoffel gives good advice set the graphics delay & unit move delay on the splash screen under the misc tab so you are happy with them. Also adjust scroll speed if you like. You can also turn animations off if so wish I tthink from the prefs screen.
I normaly play with fast arty on so when its the AIs turn I watch its arty fall as the replay doesnt show it then do something else & watch the replay so no waiting while the AI thinks.
These will save you time the rest is down to your playing style.