Communicating excitement about a future meeting is a common and professional way to establish rapport, especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time. The phrase “looking forward to meeting you” is widely used in emails, letters, and messages as a polite way to express eagerness. However, using the same phrase repeatedly can feel impersonal or predictable. To keep your communication engaging and genuine, it’s helpful to vary your language and tailor it to the specific context.
In this article, we’ll cover 11 alternatives to “looking forward to meeting you” that can help convey excitement and professionalism in unique ways. Each of these alternatives is suitable for different scenarios, whether it’s a formal business meeting, a casual conversation, or a personal meet-up. Let’s explore how to say “looking forward to meeting you” without sounding repetitive or robotic.
Why Saying “Looking Forward to Meeting You” Is Professional and Effective
In professional settings, communicating enthusiasm for an upcoming meeting is not just polite but also signals respect and interest. Saying “looking forward to meeting you” conveys a positive anticipation and readiness to connect, making it ideal for situations like job interviews, networking events, or introductions via email.
Benefits of Using “Looking Forward to Meeting You”
- Shows professionalism: It’s courteous and respectful.
- Conveys eagerness: This phrase subtly highlights that the meeting is something you value.
- Fits formal contexts: Ideal for business settings, interviews, or any new professional connection.
Drawbacks of Repeatedly Using the Same Phrase
- Overuse can feel insincere: When used too often, it can lose its charm.
- May lack personal touch: Some situations call for a more tailored expression.
For those looking to bring a fresh, personable tone to their communication, using alternatives can make a big difference. Below, we explore 11 ways to say “looking forward to meeting you” that still maintain professionalism while adding variety.
11 Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Meeting You”
1. I Look Forward to Our Meeting
This alternative keeps things formal and straightforward, with an emphasis on the purpose of the meeting itself. It works well when the focus is on a structured, agenda-driven meeting rather than a casual chat.
Example:
“Thank you for scheduling our discussion. I look forward to our meeting and exploring ways we can collaborate effectively on this project.”
2. Looking Forward to Our Conversation
This variant has a friendly, slightly informal tone. It’s perfect for situations where the conversation will be more personal, such as with someone you already know or with whom you’ll be having an in-depth dialogue.
Example:
“Just a quick note to say I’m looking forward to our conversation tomorrow about the new strategies we can implement.”
3. I Look Forward to Speaking with You
This phrase is professional and polite, and it subtly shifts focus to the act of speaking, which can be ideal for phone or virtual meetings.
Example:
“I have reviewed your proposal and look forward to speaking with you during our scheduled call to discuss it further.”
4. I Look Forward to Talking to You
A more casual alternative, this phrase conveys eagerness in a friendly and approachable tone. Use it when the meeting is less formal, perhaps with a colleague or someone you’re already acquainted with.
Example:
“I look forward to talking to you more about your ideas and insights over coffee next week.”
5. It’ll Be a Pleasure to Speak with You
This phrase adds an element of warmth, suggesting that the meeting is anticipated with genuine delight. It’s formal yet personable, suitable for both professional and semi-professional contexts.
Example:
“Thank you for taking the time to meet. It’ll be a pleasure to speak with you and gain insights into your work.”
6. I’m Excited to Meet You
This alternative is informal and shows high enthusiasm. It’s ideal for situations where you genuinely look up to the person or are thrilled about the meeting.
Example:
“I’ve admired your work for years, and I’m excited to meet you at the upcoming conference.”
7. Looking Forward to Seeing You Soon
This phrase carries a friendly, informal tone and works well if you’re meeting someone you have a good relationship with or if you’re reconnecting with a contact.
Example:
“It’s been a while since our last chat. Looking forward to seeing you soon and catching up on everything!”
8. Excited to Meet You Soon
A simple, friendly way to convey enthusiasm, this phrase is less formal than the original but conveys a positive eagerness about the upcoming encounter.
Example:
“I’ve heard great things about you from our mutual contacts. Excited to meet you soon and learn more about your experiences.”
9. I’m Keen to Meet You
This alternative blends formality with enthusiasm, making it a versatile choice for both professional and informal settings. It works well when you want to express a focused interest in the meeting.
Example:
“Following our brief chat at the seminar, I’m keen to meet you and discuss your innovative ideas.”
10. I Can’t Wait to Meet You
This is a very informal option, conveying high energy and excitement. It’s ideal for casual or less formal interactions and helps express eagerness in a friendly way.
Example:
“After all our phone conversations, I can’t wait to meet you in person next week!”
11. Can’t Wait to See You
Similar to the previous phrase, this alternative works well when you have an established relationship with the person or are reconnecting after a period of time.
Example:
“It’s been ages since we last worked together. Can’t wait to see you at the upcoming event.”
Choosing the Right Phrase for Different Situations
When choosing an alternative to “looking forward to meeting you”, consider the formality of the setting, your relationship with the person, and the tone you wish to convey. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the most suitable option:
| Phrase | Formality Level | Ideal Context |
|---|---|---|
| I Look Forward to Our Meeting | High | Formal business meetings |
| Looking Forward to Our Conversation | Medium | Semi-formal or friendly exchanges |
| I Look Forward to Speaking with You | High | Formal or professional calls, virtual meetings |
| I Look Forward to Talking to You | Medium | Casual or friendly professional meetings |
| It’ll Be a Pleasure to Speak with You | Medium-High | Formal yet personable, suitable for respectful meetings |
| I’m Excited to Meet You | Medium-Low | Informal, when meeting someone you admire |
| Looking Forward to Seeing You Soon | Low | Casual, ideal for reconnecting with a familiar contact |
| Excited to Meet You Soon | Low | Informal and enthusiastic |
| I’m Keen to Meet You | Medium | Formal and informal mix, when expressing strong interest |
| I Can’t Wait to Meet You | Very Low | Casual, informal connections |
| Can’t Wait to See You | Very Low | Personal meetings with established relationships |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “looking forward to meeting you” always formal?
No, while it’s commonly used in formal settings, its tone can be adapted based on additional words or phrases in the message.
2. When should I use alternatives to “looking forward to meeting you”?
Use alternatives when you want to add a personal touch, adapt to the context, or avoid sounding repetitive.
3. Is it unprofessional to use informal phrases like “Can’t wait to see you”?
No, as long as the context is appropriate, informal phrases can be used, especially in industries or companies with a relaxed culture.
4. Can I use “I look forward to meeting you” in job interview emails?
Yes, it’s a professional and respectful phrase, perfect for interview scheduling emails.
5. How can I add warmth to “looking forward to meeting you”?
Adding expressions like “It’ll be a pleasure” or “I’m keen to” can help make the phrase feel warmer and more personal.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right phrase to express anticipation for a meeting not only communicates professionalism but also personalizes your connection with the other person. By having a range of alternatives to “looking forward to meeting you”, you can keep your messages fresh and suitable for any situation. Whether you opt for something formal, friendly, or enthusiastic, tailoring your language to fit the context will enhance the quality of your communication and make your excitement feel genuine and memorable.