If you are presenting, you need to create group harmony, but avoid patronising your listeners. Tutor presentation of 'new' information - mini lecture. Student sharing of information for mutual purposes. Overall A chance to hear and be heard, the most immediate method of communication. Remember, we make decisions about people not mainly on what they say, but how they say it, not on what they know, but how they use that knowledge.
Seminars are good practice for life skills beyond the confines of academia.
Budding politicians, entrepreneurs, lawyers, in fact all students, take note as we all need to sell ourselves and our ideas. Footnotes a 'Psychological stroking' - making approving noises, leaning forward, marking eye contact, generally looking positive and encouraging. Sussex Language Institute 1998-2000. Web version by Matthew Platts .