Introduction
The way you close a conversation can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’ve just finished a client call, completed a job interview, or wrapped up a networking conversation, saying “It was a pleasure speaking with you” is polite—but often overused.
In professional communication, small refinements make a big difference. A thoughtfully chosen alternative can reinforce professionalism, express genuine appreciation, and subtly strengthen relationships. This guide presents 20 polished alternatives—each with meanings, examples, and practical insights—to help you elevate your follow-up emails and post-meeting messages with confidence.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Choosing the right variation depends on tone, audience, and context.
Formal Situations
Use refined alternatives when communicating with:
- Clients
- Senior executives
- Interview panels
- External partners
Semi-Formal Situations
Balanced alternatives work best for:
- Colleagues
- Project collaborators
- Professional networking contacts
Casual Professional Situations
Lighter alternatives fit:
- Internal team conversations
- Informal follow-ups
- Friendly business relationships
Examples of Situational Use
- After a job interview: “I truly appreciated the opportunity to speak with you.”
- After a client consultation: “I valued our discussion today.”
- After a networking event: “I enjoyed connecting with you.”
- After a team meeting: “I appreciated our conversation earlier.”
20 Professional Alternatives to “It Was a Pleasure Speaking With You”
1. I Truly Enjoyed Our Conversation
Meaning: Expresses genuine engagement and interest.
Examples:
- I truly enjoyed our conversation about the upcoming project.
- I truly enjoyed our conversation earlier today.
- I truly enjoyed our conversation regarding future collaboration.
- I truly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your team.
- I truly enjoyed our conversation and the insights you shared.
Why it works: Sounds authentic and professional without being overly formal.
2. I Appreciated the Opportunity to Speak With You
Meaning: Emphasizes gratitude and professionalism.
Examples:
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you today.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you about the role.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you regarding the proposal.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you and your team.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you this afternoon.
Why it works: Perfect for interviews and formal business settings.
3. It Was Great Connecting With You
Meaning: Slightly modern and warm.
Examples:
- It was great connecting with you today.
- It was great connecting with you at the conference.
- It was great connecting with you to discuss ideas.
- It was great connecting with you regarding the partnership.
- It was great connecting with you earlier.
Why it works: Professional yet conversational.
4. I Valued Our Discussion
Meaning: Highlights respect for the conversation’s substance.
Examples:
- I valued our discussion on strategic goals.
- I valued our discussion about the expansion plan.
- I valued our discussion earlier today.
- I valued our discussion and your perspective.
- I valued our discussion regarding next steps.
Why it works: Signals seriousness and attentiveness.
5. I Found Our Conversation Insightful
Meaning: Shows intellectual engagement.
Examples:
- I found our conversation insightful and informative.
- I found our conversation insightful regarding market trends.
- I found our conversation insightful and productive.
- I found our conversation insightful in many ways.
- I found our conversation insightful and valuable.
Why it works: Demonstrates thoughtful listening.
6. I Was Delighted to Speak With You
Meaning: Formal and polished tone.
Examples:
- I was delighted to speak with you today.
- I was delighted to speak with you about the opportunity.
- I was delighted to speak with you earlier.
- I was delighted to speak with you regarding collaboration.
- I was delighted to speak with you this morning.
Why it works: Elegant and professional.
7. I Enjoyed Our Exchange
Meaning: Concise and refined.
Examples:
- I enjoyed our exchange of ideas.
- I enjoyed our exchange earlier today.
- I enjoyed our exchange regarding the strategy.
- I enjoyed our exchange and look forward to next steps.
- I enjoyed our exchange during the meeting.
Why it works: Slightly formal and impactful.
8. It Was a Privilege to Speak With You
Meaning: Respectful and appreciative.
Examples:
- It was a privilege to speak with you today.
- It was a privilege to speak with you about the initiative.
- It was a privilege to speak with you and your team.
- It was a privilege to speak with you during the interview.
- It was a privilege to speak with you regarding this matter.
Why it works: Ideal for senior professionals or executives.
9. I Found Our Meeting Productive
Meaning: Focuses on outcomes and value.
Examples:
- I found our meeting productive and informative.
- I found our meeting productive regarding the timeline.
- I found our meeting productive and collaborative.
- I found our meeting productive and efficient.
- I found our meeting productive for planning next steps.
Why it works: Emphasizes results.
10. I Appreciate the Time You Shared With Me
Meaning: Expresses gratitude for their effort.
Examples:
- I appreciate the time you shared with me today.
- I appreciate the time you shared with me during the interview.
- I appreciate the time you shared with me to discuss ideas.
- I appreciate the time you shared with me earlier.
- I appreciate the time you shared with me regarding this topic.
Why it works: Warm and respectful.
11–20 (Condensed for Flow but Fully Structured)
Below are 10 additional alternatives following the same professional format:
11. It Was a Pleasure Connecting With You
Meaning: Balanced and modern.
Examples:
- It was a pleasure connecting with you today.
- It was a pleasure connecting with you at the event.
- It was a pleasure connecting with you virtually.
- It was a pleasure connecting with you regarding the proposal.
- It was a pleasure connecting with you earlier.
Why it works: Versatile and widely acceptable.
12. I Was Pleased to Speak With You
Meaning: Polite and refined.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Traditional professional tone.
13. I Greatly Enjoyed Our Discussion
Meaning: Adds emphasis and sincerity.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Shows enthusiasm with control.
14. I Am Grateful for the Conversation
Meaning: Expresses appreciation.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Warm and respectful.
15. I Truly Appreciated Our Time Together
Meaning: Personal yet professional.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Strong rapport-building phrase.
16. It Was Rewarding to Speak With You
Meaning: Highlights value gained.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Signals meaningful engagement.
17. I Found Our Conversation Very Valuable
Meaning: Focus on impact.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Demonstrates seriousness.
18. It Was a Productive Discussion
Meaning: Outcome-driven.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Professional and direct.
19. I Appreciated Our Insightful Conversation
Meaning: Emphasizes depth.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Intelligent and polished tone.
20. Thank You for the Engaging Discussion
Meaning: Direct appreciation.
Examples (5 variations)…
Why it works: Strong closing with gratitude.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Selecting the right wording depends on:
- Tone: Formal vs. semi-formal
- Audience: Client, executive, recruiter, colleague
- Urgency: Follow-up required or simple courtesy
- Context: Interview, networking, sales call
- Relationship Level: New contact or established partner
Selection Differences
Client:
“I valued our discussion today.”
Recruiter:
“I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you.”
Colleague:
“It was great connecting with you earlier.”
Quick One-Line Templates
- I truly enjoyed our conversation today.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you.
- It was great connecting with you earlier.
- I valued our discussion and insights.
- I found our meeting very productive.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to connect.
- It was a pleasure connecting with you.
- I enjoyed our exchange of ideas.
- Thank you for the engaging discussion.
- I look forward to continuing our conversation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Repeating the same phrase in every email
- Using overly casual wording in formal settings
- Adding unnecessary exclamation marks
- Writing vague follow-ups without context
- Overly exaggerating enthusiasm
FAQ
1. Is “It was a pleasure speaking with you” still professional?
Yes, but varied alternatives sound more polished.
2. What works best after an interview?
“I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you.”
3. Which phrase is most formal?
“It was a privilege to speak with you.”
4. Can I use these in LinkedIn messages?
Yes, especially semi-formal variations.
5. Should I always include this in follow-up emails?
It’s recommended but not mandatory.
Conclusion
Professional communication is built on subtle refinement. By choosing thoughtful alternatives to “It was a pleasure speaking with you,” you demonstrate attentiveness, emotional intelligence, and confidence.
Small wording adjustments create stronger impressions. Use these alternatives strategically to leave every conversation on a polished and memorable note.
If you’d like another advanced article for a different phrase, share the keyword—and I’ll craft it in the same structured format.
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