Georgie Nightingall, who is running the course in chitchat and networking, said that while small talk is often maligned, it is important for social advancement, The Times reports.

“We often talk about good conversation as if it’s just exchanging information,” she said.

“But my experience with – my addiction to – good conversation suggests it’s more about expanding your perspectives and your relationships.”

She added: “Often asking small questions – what you do, where you live and the like – the person receiving that question assumes it’s not asked with genuine interest,” she said.

“So they respond in a prescriptive way … that creates a perception people aren’t willing to be open as we don’t give one another any hooks.”

The university launched the classes after polls found that 43 per cent of students feared they would be judged by how they speak.

Previous research has found that more than half of young people are more comfortable communicating over digital platforms than in person.