Look Forward To Speaking With You

Look Forward to Speaking With You: Mastering the Art of Professional Closing

The phrase "look forward to speaking with you" is a staple in professional communication. It's a polite, concise, and effective way to end a business email, letter, or voicemail message. But its simplicity belies its importance. This seemingly small phrase can significantly impact how your communication is perceived, influencing everything from building rapport to securing a meeting. This article explores how to effectively use this phrase, its alternatives, and when to avoid it altogether.

Why "Look Forward to Speaking With You" Works

This closing line serves several key purposes:

• Professionalism: It projects a polished and business-like image, conveying respect for the recipient's time and the importance of the communication.
• Enthusiasm: It subtly expresses your eagerness to connect and continue the conversation, fostering a positive and collaborative tone.
• Clarity: It leaves no ambiguity about your intentions, clearly signaling your desire to engage in a future discussion.
• Call to Action (Implied): While not explicitly requesting a response, it implies a future interaction, encouraging the recipient to schedule a call or meeting.

Optimizing the Use of "Look Forward to Speaking With You"

While effective on its own, you can enhance the impact of this phrase in several ways:

• Contextualize it: Instead of using it as a standalone closing, integrate it within a more detailed closing paragraph. For example: "I've attached the proposal for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to speaking with you to discuss this further next week."
• Specify the next steps: Adding a specific detail about the upcoming conversation increases engagement. For example: "I look forward to speaking with you on Thursday to discuss the marketing strategy."
• Personalize it (where appropriate): If you have a pre-existing relationship, adding a personal touch can strengthen the connection. For instance: "It was a pleasure connecting with you at the conference yesterday. I look forward to speaking with you soon to discuss the next steps."

Alternatives to "Look Forward to Speaking With You"

While "look forward to speaking with you" is a versatile option, you might consider these alternatives depending on the context:

• Formal: "I look forward to hearing from you soon." "Please let me know if you are available for a call."
• Informal: "Catch you soon." "Talk soon!" (Use with caution, depending on your relationship with the recipient)
• Action-oriented: "Please contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule a call." "I'll be in touch next week to arrange a meeting."

When to Avoid "Look Forward to Speaking With You"

While generally appropriate, there are situations where this phrase might not be the best choice:

• Unsolicited emails: When reaching out to someone for the first time, a more direct and less presumptive closing might be more effective.
• Highly formal situations: In extremely formal settings, a more traditional closing might be preferred.
• Overuse: Avoid using this phrase in every email. Vary your closings to keep your communication engaging.

Conclusion:

"Look forward to speaking with you" is a powerful tool in professional communication. By understanding its nuances and employing the strategies outlined above, you can harness its potential to build rapport, strengthen relationships, and effectively guide your communication towards a successful outcome. Remember to always tailor your closing to the specific context and your relationship with the recipient. Using this phrase thoughtfully demonstrates professionalism and enhances the overall impact of your message.