High drama, comedy and stage techniques are being used to bring out the best in businessmen and women.

Experts at Brighton's Komedia theatre have arranged a series of workshops for firms and organisations to improve staff confidence and customer relations.

From stand-up comedy to role-playing, the tricks of the trade are being used in boardrooms and offices to help take the pain out of presentations.

Mary Connolly, director of development at Komedia, said a gap in the market was found for workshops that use comedy as a means of enhancing presentation and business skills.

"Using the term 'comedy workshops' rather than 'drama' or 'theatrical' had a positive effect on attracting companies.

"A lot of people were being put off, thinking it was all going to be rather serious but we have found that using comedy to teach has more effect than other techniques.

"We have workshops that are business and performance-orientated as well as those aimed at individual development.

"We have a corporate relations manager to encourage firms to undertake our arts- based training and we can also offer a bespoke programme.

"It is down to the individual business to decide what they want. One company wanted a workshop devised that would enable middle-managers to develop more confidence for dealing with people, both in the workplace and when presenting themselves to the public.

"It was about self-presentation skills and they thought the best way of making a point was using comedy.

"Now they know the effect the workshops can have, they want to go on to writing and performing one-act plays.

"When preparing workshops, we avoid the word 'drama' because people automatically switch off when they think of luvvies and doublet and hose, which is not Komedia style. But we have the contacts and the facilitators if it is drama people want."

After one series of workshops, participants were invited to one of Komedia's events to meet the performers and ask them about their experiences. Some are now regulars at the theatre and one is planning to become a performer himself.

Paul Levy, workshop leader, stand-up comedian and university lecturer, uses his most famous character Alan Winner to get his message across.

He said: "Winner is a nasty man who is all about success and nothing else matters, but his success has a price. He is basically a lonely, sad man. He gives a powerpoint presentation but half way through, he breaks down."

Mr Levy's one-man show has been a hit with audiences at Komedia and he is taking the show to this year's Edinburgh Festival.

He said: "Using a comedy character like Winner can help to drive the message home. Humour is a very good aid and can have a more lasting impression. It holds people's attention and gets them joining in. The important thing is to make sure you and the client have the same aim."

Lisa Brickell is a performer, a workshop leader and the Komedia's marketing officer. She, too, uses comedy when running workshops.

She said: "Using theatre techniques are especially useful for voice projection and posture.

"We have techniques for destressing and getting over stage fright and keeping calm. It's about turning what can be a daunting experience into a fun experience."