What are the objectives and outcomes you want from the session? How long will they be speaking for prior to the Q&A? Formal or informal
There isn't much to it really but some tips are:
– stand up as you'll control the room better (it shows you're in charge and it's really difficult to stop someone talking if you're sitting down).
– don't let anyone dominate the conversation (you can just say "thanks for your point, let's hear from someone else).
– keep an eye on the room as people will generally indicate that they wish to speak.
– it's OK to say 'person X then person Y'.
– have a chat with your speakers beforehand to make sure they know how you'll be running the session.
– keep an eye on time (have someone with timecards at the back so you don't have to look at your watch).
– if appropriate, at the start of the session tell anyone asking questions to give their name and organisation before they ask a question.