The motion generally starts counter-clockwise for a few turns, then goes clockwise for one turn, then two or three figure-eights through the middle. Then take it out and whack it on the edge of the container three times. (I sat here and did it with my hand in the air several times to be sure.)

Clodfobble's method is very similar to mine.  Except I don't whack it on the edge of the pot.  I'll slowly remove it from the pot and drips taper down to nothing.

I naturally stir clockwise, but when I'm dealing with something that REALLY needs to be stirred, I will throw in a little unclockwise....... and if it's a pot on the stove containing something with a tendency to catch on the bottom ....... it's open season like a squirrel on acid with a tree to run around (but thorough and complete)