Since the days of comparing notes about what was on telly last night are gone, now that we all have satellite TV or spend our evenings surfing the net, the art of conversation is not what it was. And, let's be honest, too many of us rely on email as the lazy way to communicate both with colleagues and clients too.

But one south east company has developed a new training strategy it calls Experiential Training, to get workers communicating effectively again.

JamBerry Ltd, a management training company, recently launched its Actor for a Day team building workshops, which have been going down well with companies across the south east region.

As well as providing a day out of the office to bond with colleagues, the workshops also teach new skills and tackle presentation skills, customer service and other key management topics.

Berry Winter, director of JamBerry, said: "We wanted to find an activity where teams could have fun and bond, while at the same time have the opportunity to learn about: communication skills, planning and developing ideas, working toegther as a team creating something together.

"We believe that skills learnt during the day enable teams to function more effectively when they get back to the workplace.

"Sessions run to date have included team building in a marketing environment and bonding with clients. We have also had a request o run a session for a sales team, with a theme of panto!"

"We've also taken one group to the University of Brighton for a cookery session, and others have gone into the woods with an expert and learned survival skills such as fire lighting."

She stresses: "Nobody is under pressure to do anything they don't want to do."

JamBerry, which is based at Herstmonceux, has a whole portfolio of fun activities for businesses to sample to improve their team's skills and bond colleagues.

JamBerry can be contacted on 0870 350 2595, or visit www.jamberry.co.uk