Last updated: October 6, 2026
“Looking forward to speaking with you” is the go-to closer before a call, interview, or meeting. It’s polite and clear, which is exactly why it ends up in nearly every scheduling email, often word-for-word.
I’ve reviewed a lot of interview confirmations and client scheduling emails, and this phrase shows up so consistently that it’s started to read as a formality rather than genuine anticipation. That’s not a problem on its own, but a little variation can make your message feel more personal, especially in emails that matter.
This guide gives you 16+ natural alternatives to “looking forward to speaking with you,” grouped by tone — formal, professional, and informal — so your closing line sounds intentional, not copy-pasted.
Why “Looking Forward to Speaking With You” Gets Repeated So Often
“Looking forward to speaking with you” is a safe, polite closing phrase, and its reliability is exactly why it’s used in nearly identical form across scheduling emails, interview confirmations, and client calls.
Grammatically, it’s a present participle phrase (“looking forward”) followed by an infinitive-style construction (“to speaking with you”). The phrase is correct and standard in professional English.
The repetition isn’t a grammar problem, but it does flatten tone:
- It’s often used regardless of how significant or routine the upcoming call actually is.
- It doesn’t distinguish between a first-time introduction and an ongoing working relationship.
- Overused, it can read as a template closing line rather than genuine anticipation.
A phrase that reflects the actual context — a first meeting, a recurring call, an interview — usually reads as more thoughtful.
Formal Alternatives
Formal alternatives work best in interview confirmations, first-time client introductions, and official scheduling correspondence.
I look forward to our conversation on Thursday
Naming the specific day adds precision, which reads as more deliberate in formal scheduling emails.
Example: “I look forward to our conversation on Thursday and appreciate you making the time.”
I am looking forward to discussing this further with you
A formal phrase well suited to interview confirmations or detailed business discussions.
Example: “I am looking forward to discussing this further with you during our call next week.”
I anticipate our upcoming discussion with interest
A formal, slightly more reserved phrase appropriate for executive or academic correspondence.
Example: “I anticipate our upcoming discussion with interest, particularly regarding the proposed timeline.”
It will be a pleasure to speak with you
A warm, formal phrase often used in client-facing emails or first introductions.
Example: “It will be a pleasure to speak with you this Friday regarding the partnership.”
I am eager to connect with you at the scheduled time
A formal, confident phrase suited to professional scheduling confirmations.
Professional and Workplace Alternatives
Professional alternatives suit everyday workplace emails, recurring meetings, and client calls where you want to sound warm without being overly formal.
Excited to catch up on this soon
A natural, professional phrase appropriate for internal meetings or ongoing projects.
Example: “Excited to catch up on this soon — I have a few updates to share.”
Talk soon, really looking forward to it
A warm, professional closing phrase that works well with regular clients or colleagues.
Example: “Talk soon, really looking forward to it — it’s been a productive week.”
Can’t wait to go over this with you
A friendly, professional phrase suited to project updates or planning calls.
Example: “Can’t wait to go over this with you — I think you’ll like the new direction.”
I’ll see you on the call then
A simple, professional phrase that confirms the meeting without much elaboration, useful for routine check-ins.
Example: “I’ll see you on the call then — just let me know if anything changes.”
Looking forward to catching up
A relaxed, professional variation that works well when the call is more of a check-in than a formal discussion.
Example: “Looking forward to catching up and hearing how the launch went.”
Informal and Everyday Alternatives
Informal alternatives fit texts, casual messages, and conversations with friends or close colleagues, where “looking forward to speaking with you” would sound too formal.
Can’t wait to chat
A casual, upbeat phrase common in texts or informal scheduling messages.
Example: “Can’t wait to chat later, it’s been a while!”
Talk soon!
A short, friendly closing phrase that works in almost any casual context.
Example: “Talk soon! Let me know what time works for you.”
Looking forward to hearing your voice again
A warm, personal phrase appropriate for close friends or family, especially after time apart.
Example: “Looking forward to hearing your voice again, it’s been too long.”
Excited for our call
A simple, casual phrase that reads as genuine without much formality.
Example: “Excited for our call tomorrow, I have so much to tell you.”
This is going to be a good conversation
A confident, casual phrase that signals genuine anticipation rather than a scripted closer.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Pick your phrase based on the formality of the relationship and whether you can reference something specific — formal language fits interviews and first introductions, while direct, warm phrases work best in ongoing professional or personal relationships.
A quick way to decide:
- Interview or first-time client introduction → use “I am looking forward to discussing this further with you” or “it will be a pleasure to speak with you.”
- Ongoing professional relationship → use “excited to catch up on this soon” or “looking forward to catching up.”
- Friend or casual contact → use “can’t wait to chat” or “talk soon!”
I tell job seekers this often: naming the specific day or topic, instead of a generic closer, makes the email feel like it was written for that exact interview, not copy-pasted from a template. “I look forward to our conversation on Thursday about the marketing role” does more work than a bare “looking forward to speaking with you.”
What to Say Instead of “Looking Forward to Speaking With You” in Your Email
The best replacement for “looking forward to speaking with you” depends on three things: the type of call, your relationship with the reader, and what you can add that is specific to the conversation. A line that names the day, topic, or purpose will almost always sound more genuine than a generic closer.
Here is what to write for the most common situations:
- Job interview confirmation: “I look forward to our conversation on Thursday about the marketing role.” It confirms the details and shows you know exactly what the meeting is for.
- First call with a new client: “It will be a pleasure to speak with you this Friday regarding the partnership.” It sounds warm and respectful without being stiff.
- Recurring team or client check-in: “Looking forward to catching up and hearing how the launch went.” It shows you are interested in the topic, not just the schedule.
- Project planning call: “Can’t wait to go over this with you. I think you’ll like the new direction.” It works when you have good news or a clear agenda to share.
- Casual message to a friend or close colleague: “Can’t wait to chat!” It matches the relaxed tone of the conversation.
- Call scheduled for the next day: “I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow.” It is clear, polite, and appropriate for most professional emails.
How to Make Any Closing Line Sound Personal
Add one specific detail. Compare these two closers:
- Generic: “Looking forward to speaking with you.”
- Specific: “I look forward to discussing the Q4 budget with you on Wednesday.”
The second version takes only a few extra words, but it shows the email was written for this exact call and not copied from a template.
Example: Formal Interview Email Closing
Thank you for scheduling the interview. I look forward to our conversation on Thursday at 10 AM and learning more about the team.
Best regards,
Maya
Example: Friendly Workplace Closing
Thanks for setting this up. Can’t wait to catch up on the project tomorrow. I have a few updates to share.
Talk soon,
Jordan
Quick Tip
Remember the grammar rule: “look forward to” is followed by a gerund (the -ing form). Write “I look forward to speaking with you,” never “I look forward to speak with you.” Whichever alternative you choose, keep this rule in mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is using the exact same closing phrase for every scheduled call, regardless of how significant or routine the meeting actually is.
Watch for these issues in your own writing:
- Being too generic. Naming the day, topic, or purpose makes the phrase feel more specific and genuine.
- Overusing it as a filler closer. If every email ends the same way, the phrase starts to lose meaning.
- Mismatching formality. “Can’t wait to chat” doesn’t fit a formal interview confirmation email.
- Using it when the call is unconfirmed. Make sure the meeting is actually scheduled before using a phrase that implies anticipation of a set time.
- Forgetting to follow through with enthusiasm. If your email sounds excited but your actual call feels flat, the mismatch is noticeable.
Other Ways to Say Looking Forward to Speaking With You Email
Meaning: “Looking forward to speaking with you” is a polite and professional way to show that you are anticipating a future conversation. In an email, you can use several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the relationship with the recipient.
- I look forward to speaking with you. — A standard and professional choice for business emails.
- I look forward to our conversation. — Polished and suitable for meetings, calls, and interviews.
- I look forward to connecting with you. — Friendly, modern, and professional.
- I look forward to discussing this with you. — Useful when the email concerns a specific topic or project.
- I look forward to our discussion. — Concise and formal.
- I’m looking forward to speaking with you. — Warm and natural while remaining professional.
- I’m looking forward to our conversation. — Slightly more personal and conversational.
- I’m eager to speak with you. — Shows enthusiasm, but is somewhat stronger in tone.
- I’m pleased to have the opportunity to speak with you. — Formal and appropriate for professional settings.
Best all-purpose option: “I look forward to speaking with you” is usually the safest choice because it sounds professional without being overly formal.
Looking Forward to Speaking With You Professional
“Looking forward to speaking with you” is professional and commonly used in workplace emails, business communication, networking, interviews, and meeting confirmations. It communicates interest without sounding excessive or overly casual.
For a more polished professional tone, consider these alternatives:
- I look forward to speaking with you.
- I look forward to our conversation.
- I look forward to connecting with you.
- I look forward to discussing this further with you.
- I look forward to our discussion.
- I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and look forward to our conversation.
Example:
“Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you and discussing the next steps.”
The version “I look forward to speaking with you” is especially useful because it works well with clients, colleagues, managers, recruiters, and other professional contacts.
Looking Forward to Speaking With You Reply
If someone writes “I’m looking forward to speaking with you,” your reply can be brief, friendly, and professional. The best response depends on the context.
- Likewise, I look forward to speaking with you.
- Thank you. I’m looking forward to our conversation as well.
- Likewise! I look forward to connecting with you.
- Thank you, I look forward to speaking with you too.
- I’m looking forward to our discussion as well.
For a professional email, “Thank you. I’m looking forward to our conversation as well.” is a natural and polished response.
For a more concise reply, “Likewise, I look forward to speaking with you.” works well.
Looking Forward to Speaking With You Is This Correct
Yes, “looking forward to speaking with you” is correct and natural English. It is widely used in professional emails and everyday communication.
The complete sentence is usually:
- I look forward to speaking with you.
- I’m looking forward to speaking with you.
There is an important grammar difference between the two:
- I look forward to speaking with you — a standard professional closing.
- I’m looking forward to speaking with you — emphasizes your current excitement or anticipation.
The phrase “look forward to” is followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form), so “speaking” is correct.
Correct: “I look forward to speaking with you.”
Incorrect: “I look forward to speak with you.”
Looking Forward to Speaking With You Interview
“I look forward to speaking with you” is an excellent phrase to use when confirming or closing an interview email. It sounds confident, respectful, and interested without being too informal.
Examples include:
- Thank you for the interview opportunity. I look forward to speaking with you.
- Thank you for scheduling the interview. I look forward to our conversation.
- I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to discussing the role with you.
- I look forward to learning more about the position and speaking with you.
- I’m looking forward to our conversation and learning more about the team.
For a job interview, “I look forward to speaking with you” is generally preferable to wording that sounds overly enthusiastic or informal. It communicates genuine interest while maintaining a professional tone.
Looking Forward to Speaking With You Grammar Check
The phrase “looking forward to speaking with you” is grammatically correct. However, whether it should begin with “I’m” or “I” depends on how you use it in the sentence.
- I look forward to speaking with you. — Complete sentence and highly suitable for professional emails.
- I’m looking forward to speaking with you. — Complete sentence and slightly warmer.
- Looking forward to speaking with you. — Common in emails, but technically a shortened sentence because the subject and auxiliary verb are omitted.
The key grammar rule is that “look forward to” takes a gerund, not an infinitive.
Correct: “I look forward to speaking with you.”
Incorrect: “I look forward to speak with you.”
In formal business writing, “I look forward to speaking with you” is the strongest standard choice.
I Look Forward to Speaking With You Meaning
“I look forward to speaking with you” means “I am anticipating and am pleased about the opportunity to talk with you in the future.” It expresses positive anticipation about an upcoming conversation.
The phrase is often used when:
- Confirming a meeting
- Responding to an interview invitation
- Ending a professional email
- Communicating with a client
- Following up with a colleague
- Arranging a phone or video call
The tone is generally polite, professional, and positive. It does not necessarily express strong excitement; instead, it respectfully shows that you are interested in the upcoming conversation.
Example:
“Thank you for arranging the meeting. I look forward to speaking with you.”
Here, the writer is politely indicating that they are anticipating the scheduled conversation.
Looking Forward to Speaking With You Tomorrow
“Looking forward to speaking with you tomorrow” is correct and natural when you already have a conversation, meeting, interview, or call scheduled for the next day.
For professional communication, these versions work well:
- I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow.
- I’m looking forward to speaking with you tomorrow.
- I look forward to our conversation tomorrow.
- I look forward to connecting with you tomorrow.
- Thank you, and I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow.
“I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow” is especially appropriate for a business email or interview confirmation. It clearly communicates anticipation while keeping the tone courteous and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “looking forward” in another way?
You can replace “looking forward” with phrases such as “eager to,” “anticipating,” “excited about,” or “I welcome the opportunity.” The best choice depends on whether you want a friendly, formal, or professional tone.
What is another way to say “looking forward to talking soon”?
Professional alternatives include “I look forward to speaking with you soon,” “I look forward to our conversation,” or “I’m eager to discuss this with you soon.” For formal communication, the first option is clear, natural, and widely appropriate.
What is another way to say “speaking with you”?
Depending on the context, you can say “talking with you,” “having a conversation with you,” “connecting with you,” or “discussing this with you.” In professional emails, “connecting with you” often sounds polished and approachable.
How do you say “looking forward” in a professional way?
In professional writing, “I look forward to…” is the most natural and established expression. You can also use “I am eager to…” or “I welcome the opportunity to…” when you want a more formal or confident tone.
How do you rephrase “looking forward”?
You can rephrase “looking forward” as “eager to,” “anticipating,” “excited to,” “welcoming the opportunity to,” or “expecting with interest.” Choose the phrase according to the level of formality and the relationship with the reader.
What is a formal word for “looking forward”?
There is no single formal replacement that works in every situation, but “anticipating” is a strong formal alternative. For example, “We are anticipating a productive discussion” can sound more formal than “We are looking forward to a productive discussion.”
The Bottom Line
“Looking forward to speaking with you” is a safe, reliable phrase, but naming the specific day or topic turns it from a template closer into something that actually sounds personal. Match your tone to the relationship, add a detail when you can, and your closing line will read as genuine anticipation instead of a formality.
Riaz Ahmad is the founder and writer at DefineGrammar.com, dedicated to simplifying English grammar for students and writers worldwide. With a passion for language, he breaks down complex grammar rules into clear, practical lessons, helping readers write with confidence and clarity every day.
