As a session chair, how to familiarise oneself with the pronunciation of speakers' names?
When I am chairing a session, I always check a few minutes beforehand to ensure that all of the speakers are there.  That's also a good time to check on  pronunciation of names.  Just say something like:


  Can you please say your name for me? I'd like to pronounce it right when I introduce you.


Then it will be fresh in your mind, there'll be a decent chance of getting it right, and the speaker will know that you cared to consult them and try, even if you do end up screwing it up.