how do you normally ask for a payrise?

I have not asked for a pay raise. It is in the company collective bargaining agreement that we are given a yearly increase so I did not find any need. But if you are an exemplary employee that has managed large projects that has given the company huge profits. You can present this achievements to your manager and ask for a raise. You normally don't ask for a raise if you are just an average employee meaning you just do a regular work. One way of trying to get a raise is resign. Let them know you got a better offer from another company. If you are good then they will give a counter offer. I however do not recommend this as it may backfire and you will end up without a job.