Below is a comprehensive list of professionally appropriate alternatives.
Each includes meaning, five examples, and why it works.
1. I enjoyed our conversation.
Meaning: Polite and professional acknowledgment of a positive discussion.
Examples:
- I enjoyed our conversation and appreciate your insights.
- I enjoyed our conversation earlier today.
- I enjoyed our conversation regarding the project scope.
- I truly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your work.
- I enjoyed our conversation and look forward to continuing it.
Why it works: Simple, sincere, and widely accepted in professional settings.
2. I appreciated our discussion.
Meaning: Emphasizes value and respect for the exchange.
Examples:
- I appreciated our discussion and your thoughtful feedback.
- I appreciated our discussion about next steps.
- I appreciated our discussion earlier today.
- I appreciated our discussion and the clarity you provided.
- I appreciated our discussion on strategic priorities.
Why it works: Conveys professionalism and gratitude without sounding casual.
3. Thank you for the engaging conversation.
Meaning: Highlights interaction quality.
Examples:
- Thank you for the engaging conversation today.
- Thank you for the engaging conversation and insights.
- Thank you for the engaging conversation during the meeting.
- Thank you for the engaging conversation—it was very helpful.
- Thank you for the engaging conversation earlier.
Why it works: Polished, appreciative, and positive.
4. I valued our conversation.
Meaning: Signals importance and respect.
Examples:
- I valued our conversation and your perspective.
- I valued our conversation on the proposed strategy.
- I truly valued our conversation earlier today.
- I valued our conversation and the time you shared.
- I valued our conversation and look forward to more.
Why it works: Makes the recipient feel heard and respected.
5. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
Meaning: Classic, formal alternative.
Examples:
- It was a pleasure speaking with you today.
- It was a pleasure speaking with you during the call.
- It was a pleasure speaking with you about the opportunity.
- It was a pleasure speaking with you earlier.
- It was a pleasure speaking with you and your team.
Why it works: Universally professional and appropriate.
6. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you.
Meaning: Acknowledges the interaction as valuable.
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 and learn more.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you earlier.
- I appreciated the opportunity to speak with you directly.
Why it works: Respectful and ideal for interviews or formal outreach.
7. I enjoyed speaking with you today.
Meaning: Warm yet professional.
Examples:
- I enjoyed speaking with you today and discussing ideas.
- I enjoyed speaking with you earlier this morning.
- I enjoyed speaking with you about the project.
- I enjoyed speaking with you and learning more.
- I enjoyed speaking with you during our call.
Why it works: Friendly without sounding informal.
8. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.
Meaning: Shows courtesy and respect.
Examples:
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me earlier.
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the role.
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me during your busy schedule.
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and clarify details.
Why it works: Polite and considerate.
9. I found our conversation very insightful.
Meaning: Highlights learning or value gained.
Examples:
- I found our conversation very insightful.
- I found our conversation very insightful and helpful.
- I found our conversation very insightful regarding strategy.
- I found our conversation very insightful earlier today.
- I found our conversation very insightful and informative.
Why it works: Professional and intellectually engaging.
10. I appreciated your insights during our discussion.
Meaning: Recognizes the other person’s contribution.
Examples:
- I appreciated your insights during our discussion today.
- I appreciated your insights during our discussion earlier.
- I appreciated your insights during our discussion on priorities.
- I appreciated your insights during our discussion of challenges.
- I appreciated your insights during our discussion and review.
Why it works: Builds rapport and respect.
11. It was great connecting with you.
Meaning: Semi-formal and friendly.
Examples:
- It was great connecting with you today.
- It was great connecting with you during the event.
- It was great connecting with you earlier.
- It was great connecting with you and exchanging ideas.
- It was great connecting with you after the meeting.
Why it works: Warm, natural, and modern.
12. I enjoyed the opportunity to connect.
Meaning: Neutral and professional.
Examples:
- I enjoyed the opportunity to connect today.
- I enjoyed the opportunity to connect and discuss plans.
- I enjoyed the opportunity to connect earlier.
- I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with your team.
- I enjoyed the opportunity to connect and collaborate.
Why it works: Suitable for networking.
13. I appreciated the chance to discuss this with you.
Meaning: Focuses on topic relevance.
Examples:
- I appreciated the chance to discuss this with you.
- I appreciated the chance to discuss this earlier today.
- I appreciated the chance to discuss this in detail.
- I appreciated the chance to discuss this further.
- I appreciated the chance to discuss this opportunity.
Why it works: Clear and topic-focused.
14. I found our discussion very productive.
Meaning: Emphasizes outcomes.
Examples:
- I found our discussion very productive today.
- I found our discussion very productive and clear.
- I found our discussion very productive earlier.
- I found our discussion very productive for next steps.
- I found our discussion very productive overall.
Why it works: Signals efficiency and professionalism.
15. I appreciated the thoughtful conversation.
Meaning: Highlights depth and quality.
Examples:
- I appreciated the thoughtful conversation today.
- I appreciated the thoughtful conversation earlier.
- I appreciated the thoughtful conversation we had.
- I appreciated the thoughtful conversation on strategy.
- I appreciated the thoughtful conversation and ideas.
Why it works: Polished and respectful.
16. I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you.
Meaning: Collaborative tone.
Examples:
- I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you today.
- I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you earlier.
- I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you on the topic.
- I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you during the meeting.
- I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you and your team.
Why it works: Ideal for brainstorming or teamwork.
17. Thank you for the productive discussion.
Meaning: Outcome-oriented.
Examples:
- Thank you for the productive discussion today.
- Thank you for the productive discussion earlier.
- Thank you for the productive discussion and feedback.
- Thank you for the productive discussion on priorities.
- Thank you for the productive discussion during our call.
Why it works: Efficient and professional.
18. I appreciated our meaningful conversation.
Meaning: Slightly warmer, still professional.
Examples:
- I appreciated our meaningful conversation today.
- I appreciated our meaningful conversation earlier.
- I appreciated our meaningful conversation on goals.
- I appreciated our meaningful conversation and clarity.
- I appreciated our meaningful conversation overall.
Why it works: Adds warmth without losing professionalism.
19. It was a pleasure discussing this with you.
Meaning: Topic-focused professionalism.
Examples:
- It was a pleasure discussing this with you today.
- It was a pleasure discussing this with you earlier.
- It was a pleasure discussing this opportunity.
- It was a pleasure discussing this in detail.
- It was a pleasure discussing this with your team.
Why it works: Refined and versatile.
20. I appreciated the informative discussion.
Meaning: Emphasizes clarity and learning.
Examples:
- I appreciated the informative discussion today.
- I appreciated the informative discussion earlier.
- I appreciated the informative discussion on updates.
- I appreciated the informative discussion during the meeting.
- I appreciated the informative discussion and overview.
Why it works: Professional and neutral.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Choosing the right alternative depends on several factors:
- Tone: Formal, semi-formal, or conversational
- Audience: Client, manager, peer, or new contact
- Urgency: Immediate follow-up vs. future engagement
- Context: Interview, meeting, networking, or update
- Medium: Email, LinkedIn message, chat, or verbal
Mini Examples
- Client: “I appreciated our discussion and your insights.”
- Colleague: “I enjoyed exchanging ideas with you.”
- Interviewer: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”
Quick One-Line Templates
- I appreciated our discussion and look forward to next steps.
- It was a pleasure speaking with you today.
- Thank you for the engaging conversation.
- I enjoyed our conversation and your insights.
- I appreciated the opportunity to connect.
- I valued our conversation earlier today.
- Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.
- I found our discussion very productive.
- I appreciated your insights during our discussion.
- I enjoyed speaking with you and learning more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overly casual phrases in formal emails
- Repeating the same closing in every message
- Sounding generic or robotic
- Overly long or emotional closings
- Forgetting to match tone with audience
FAQ
1. Is “it was nice talking to you” unprofessional?
No, but it’s often too casual for formal communication.
2. What’s the best option for job interviews?
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”
3. Can I use these in LinkedIn messages?
Yes—choose semi-formal options.
4. Which phrase works best for clients?
“I appreciated our discussion” or “I valued our conversation.”
5. Should I always thank the person?
In formal contexts, yes—it shows professionalism.
6. Can these be used verbally as well?
Absolutely—many sound natural in spoken conversation.
Conclusion
Replacing “it was nice talking to you” with a more intentional, professional alternative can significantly improve how your communication is perceived. The right phrase reinforces respect, highlights value, and keeps professional relationships moving forward.
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