ICAS has signed a partnership with the commercial subsidiary of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to offer accountants specialist communication training designed to ensure they never 'miss a cue' in a business meeting or presentation.

Bridget Taxy, managing director of RADA Enterprises, said: 'Most people in business and finance are highly trained to use their mind, to use the facts and figures to develop their argument But most do not train their body and voice, yet that is instinctively where the most important part of the message is conveyed.'

The RADA in Business initiative, set up 12 years ago, offers practical communication skills training for people in business based on the performance skills used by trained actors. Its courses have been used by multinational companies, government departments and local authorities, among others.

Angela Clark, commercial director for learning and development with ICAS, said RADA in Business has been working with ICAS to make this training accessible to the finance and accountancy sectors.

'Being aware of how you physically present yourself as a chartered accountant is essential as your presence determines how your message is received by a client, colleague or senior manager, especially when communicating complex ideas and facts. It is important to have command over your presence so that you can enhance the connection you create with your audience, building relationships, rapport and influence,' Clark said.

All ICAS members are being offered a 10% discount of a RADA in Business course running between 1st September and 31 December 2013, which will provide training with specialised communication tutors.