There’s a phrase we all see regularly in emails: “I look forward to speaking with you.” It’s polite, professional, and generally harmless. However, the problem with clichés like this is that they lose meaning. When you write something like this, are you genuinely looking forward to speaking with the person, or is it just filler? Often, it’s the latter, and if we’re being honest, the recipient probably knows it too.
So, what can you say instead? How can you inject genuine interest, honesty, and personality into your communication while still being professional? Let’s dive into some alternatives.
Why “I Look Forward to Speaking With You” Feels Hollow
Let’s start with why “I look forward to speaking with you” doesn’t land well anymore. If you think about it, it’s vague. It gives no real insight into what you actually want or how you feel about the conversation. You’re saying, “I will speak with you,” which is implied, and “I look forward to it,” which is likely something you say to everyone. There’s no individuality or depth.
Here are the main problems:
- It’s Overused: Like “Best regards” or “Hope this email finds you well,” it’s one of those phrases people use without thinking. It’s background noise at this point.
- It Lacks Emotion: If you’re actually excited to speak with someone, it doesn’t show. This phrase is flat and devoid of personality.
- It’s Non-Committal: This statement doesn’t set any expectation for the conversation. What is the purpose of this interaction? Do you actually care, or is this a chore?
Instead of defaulting to an overused phrase, why not say something that reflects how you truly feel about the upcoming conversation?
Being Honest (Even When It’s Hard)
Here’s the thing: Honesty doesn’t have to be brutal, but it does need to be there. If you’re dreading a conversation, you don’t have to pretend like you’re excited about it. At the same time, you shouldn’t come off as rude. There’s a fine balance, but it’s worth finding that balance to keep your communication genuine.
Let’s be real: Sometimes, we don’t actually look forward to speaking with someone. Maybe it’s a tough client, an awkward colleague, or a tense negotiation. In those cases, what should you say?
- Be neutral: “I’m available to discuss this further at [time].” This shows that you are professional and open to having the conversation, without feigning enthusiasm.
- Be solution-oriented: “Let’s resolve this together.” In difficult situations, this phrase demonstrates collaboration and a positive approach without pretending you’re thrilled about the conversation.
- Use their language: Sometimes people just want to feel heard. If the person you’re communicating with is very formal, you can use a polite phrase that aligns with their tone but isn’t a cliché. For example: “I appreciate your time and I’m ready to go over the details.”
When You Are Actually Excited
If you’re genuinely looking forward to a conversation, why not show it? Let your enthusiasm shine through with a little more thoughtfulness. For example:
- Be specific about why you’re excited: “I’m really looking forward to discussing [specific project/idea] with you. I think it has a lot of potential.”
- Show personal interest: “I’m excited to get your insights on this – I know you’ve done some great work in this area.”
- Mention what’s next: “I’ve been thinking about what we talked about last time and I can’t wait to dive into the next steps.”
It’s important to show that your excitement is rooted in something specific, not just polite fluff. People respond well to genuine enthusiasm.
Expressing Gratitude
Another way to replace the tired “I look forward to speaking with you” is by showing gratitude. Acknowledge the time and effort someone is taking to have this conversation with you.
Here are some examples:
- “I appreciate you taking the time to discuss this with me. It means a lot.”
- “Thanks for setting aside time to go over this – I know you’re busy.”
- “I’m grateful for the opportunity to chat with you and learn more about your perspective.”
Gratitude softens your message, makes you relatable, and makes the recipient feel valued. It’s hard to go wrong with this approach, but it’s especially effective when the other person is doing you a favor or giving you some of their precious time.
Setting the Stage for the Conversation
Another way to make your closing line more impactful is to give the recipient a heads-up about what to expect from the conversation. You’re preparing them and demonstrating that you’ve thought ahead.
Here’s how:
- Be clear about the purpose: “I’m looking forward to discussing the specifics of [project/task]. Let’s go over the key points so we can move forward efficiently.”
- Establish the tone: “I know this might be a tricky discussion, but I think it will be helpful for both of us.”
- Lay out the next steps: “I’m eager to finalize our plans for [topic] and figure out the best path forward together.”
This approach can be especially useful in professional settings where time is limited. You’re showing respect for the recipient’s time while also setting clear expectations for the conversation.
Keep It Conversational, Not Robotic
While professionalism is important, sounding like a robot isn’t. You can be professional and still sound like a real person. Try to avoid corporate jargon and over-complicated phrases. The more you can sound like yourself, the better your communication will be received.
Instead of defaulting to “I look forward to speaking with you,” think about how you would phrase it if you were talking to someone face-to-face.
- Use casual language: “I’m excited to chat!” or “Looking forward to catching up with you.”
- Add a bit of personality: “I can’t wait to dive into this with you – I think it’s going to be a great conversation.”
- Be friendly but professional: “Let’s chat soon – I’ve got a few ideas I think you’ll like.”
People appreciate it when you sound like a person, not a corporate email template. By adding a little personality to your communication, you not only stand out, but you make the recipient feel more comfortable too.
Dealing with Unpleasant Conversations
What if the conversation you’re about to have is one you’re dreading? Let’s face it – not every interaction is pleasant, and pretending otherwise is exhausting. Instead of defaulting to an insincere phrase, address the situation with grace and honesty.
Here are some ideas for when you’re not exactly thrilled about the upcoming conversation:
- Acknowledge the challenge: “I know this might be a difficult discussion, but I think it will help us move forward.”
- Show empathy: “I understand this situation isn’t easy, but I’m committed to finding a solution together.”
- Keep it professional: “I’m ready to go over the issues and find a way to resolve them.”
In these cases, it’s important to maintain professionalism, but you also don’t need to pretend that you’re eagerly anticipating the conversation. By addressing the challenge head-on, you’re showing maturity and leadership.
Alternatives to “I Look Forward to Speaking With You”
So, if you’re not going to say “I look forward to speaking with you,” what can you say instead? Here’s a roundup of alternatives that will help you be more authentic, clear, and personable:
- If you’re excited: “I’m really looking forward to our chat about [specific topic]. I think we’re going to make great progress!”
- If it’s a formal meeting: “I’m available for our scheduled discussion and look forward to reviewing the details.”
- If you want to show gratitude: “Thank you for making the time to speak with me. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.”
- If it’s a tricky conversation: “I know this isn’t the easiest topic to discuss, but I think it’s important and I’m ready to find a way forward together.”
- If you want to be brief and professional: “I’m ready to discuss this further at your convenience.”
- If you want to show enthusiasm: “I’m excited to chat with you and explore how we can work together on this.”
- If you need to clarify the purpose: “I’m looking forward to reviewing the key details with you and ensuring we’re aligned moving forward.”
When Simplicity is Best
Sometimes, simple is best. If you don’t want to be overly flowery or emotional, you can still avoid clichés by keeping your message straightforward. There’s no need to overthink it.
For example:
- “Let’s discuss this soon.”
- “I’m available for a chat at your convenience.”
- “Looking forward to your thoughts.”
- “Let’s catch up and go over the details.”
There’s nothing wrong with being direct and to the point. In fact, some people may appreciate the brevity. Just make sure your tone matches the context of the conversation.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, communication is about making connections. Whether you’re excited about a conversation or dreading it, your goal should always be to foster a clear and honest exchange. Phrases like “I look forward to speaking with you” don’t necessarily help with that, but with a little thought and effort, you can craft a message that resonates with the person on the other side of the screen.
So, next time you’re about to hit send on an email, take a moment to think about what you’re really trying to say. Whether you’re thrilled about the upcoming conversation or approaching it with caution, there’s always a way to express yourself authentically and professionally. With these alternatives, you’ll make a better impression and avoid sounding like a broken record.
You don’t have to fake enthusiasm or stick to the same old phrases. Just be real, be clear, and be human.
