To make a motion at a meeting, how should one state the motion?

Stating a motion clearly and formally is crucial in meetings to ensure proper record-keeping and understanding among participants. The phrase "I move that" is the standard terminology used in parliamentary procedure to indicate that a member is formally proposing a specific course of action or decision to the group. This wording establishes a clear intent and is recognized by those attending the meeting, allowing for subsequent discussion and a vote if needed.

The other expressions, while they may convey a desire to suggest or propose an idea, do not carry the same formal weight in a meeting context. "I request that" and "I suggest that" lack the decisiveness associated with a motion, and "I propose" is less commonly used in formal settings governed by parliamentary procedure. Thus, "I move that" is the best choice for making a motion, as it is universally understood as the initiation of a proposed action in a structured meeting environment.