We’ve all been there – wrapping up a conversation with someone and wanting to express how much you appreciated the exchange, but the typical “It was nice talking to you” sometimes feels a little too standard. Whether it’s after a casual chat with a friend or a formal meeting with a colleague, we all want to leave a good impression and convey genuine warmth. The words you choose can convey much more than just a polite ending; they can express your personality, tone, and relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
But how do you switch it up without sounding forced or insincere? In this article, we’ll explore 11 alternative ways to say “It was nice talking to you,” considering when and why each phrase is suitable. Let’s dive into these phrases, keeping the human touch at the forefront, and explore how your words can reflect your tone, culture, and intent.
1. “I really enjoyed our conversation.”
When you want to convey a genuine sense of appreciation for the exchange, this phrase hits the right note. It’s warm and personal without being too formal. It works for both professional settings and casual chats.
Example:
Imagine you’re wrapping up a coffee with a colleague after an engaging discussion about a project. Saying, “I really enjoyed our conversation,” feels authentic, especially if you’re bonding over a shared interest. The warmth here is more about recognizing the enjoyment rather than just the formality of the interaction.
When to Use: Perfect for casual or semi-formal settings, such as a catch-up with a friend or a productive work conversation.
2. “It was a pleasure speaking with you.”
A bit more formal, this phrase is ideal for professional settings, such as a meeting with a new client or a higher-up. It strikes a balance between politeness and appreciation, without crossing into too personal of territory.
Example:
After a successful business meeting, this phrase leaves a polished impression. It’s appropriate for corporate settings, where professional etiquette is key.
When to Use: Business meetings, formal networking events, or any interaction where you want to sound courteous but still warm.
3. “I always love chatting with you.”
This phrase leans towards casual, yet it adds a layer of warmth and familiarity that signals you genuinely look forward to future interactions. It’s often used when you have an ongoing relationship with someone.
Example:
Let’s say you’ve just wrapped up a lunch with a close coworker who you always enjoy chatting with. Saying, “I always love chatting with you,” conveys a sense of comfort and enjoyment in the ongoing connection.
When to Use: Friends, close coworkers, or anyone you have a comfortable rapport with.
4. “This was a great chat. Let’s do it again soon!”
Here’s where the phrase turns more forward-thinking. It’s perfect for signaling that you enjoyed the interaction and are open to future conversations. This one works especially well in professional networking or when you’ve met someone new.
Example:
You just met someone at a conference and had a fruitful discussion about a shared business interest. Wrapping it up with, “This was a great chat. Let’s do it again soon!” opens the door to future networking opportunities.
When to Use: When meeting someone new at an event or a gathering where you hope to reconnect soon.
5. “I’m so glad we had a chance to talk.”
This is a great way to express gratitude, especially in situations where time together was limited. It shows you’re grateful for the moment, regardless of how long the conversation lasted.
Example:
After a quick check-in with a colleague during a busy workday, this phrase helps reinforce your appreciation for their time.
When to Use: For situations where the conversation was brief, but meaningful.
6. “I’ll let you get back to it, but this was great!”
This phrase is particularly useful in professional settings, especially when the conversation needs to end because the other person has time constraints. It’s polite, appreciative, and respectful of their time.
Example:
During a conference call, after a productive discussion, you might say, “I’ll let you get back to it, but this was great!” It’s courteous and wraps things up efficiently.
When to Use: Corporate or professional meetings when someone needs to move on to the next task.
7. “Thanks for the insight, I really appreciate it.”
If the conversation provided value whether through new knowledge, advice, or ideas this phrase acknowledges the contribution the other person made to your understanding. It’s respectful and emphasizes your gratitude.
Example:
Let’s say you just wrapped up a mentoring session or a strategic business discussion. You could use this phrase to emphasize how much their input meant to you.
When to Use: Professional mentoring sessions, consultations, or anytime the other person’s input or expertise was particularly valuable.
8. “Always a pleasure hearing your perspective.”
This phrase works wonderfully when the conversation was centered around ideas or viewpoints, and you want to acknowledge that you value the other person’s thoughts. It’s especially great for professional and academic settings.
Example:
After a lively discussion about industry trends with a colleague, this phrase shows you appreciate their expertise and adds a touch of respect.
When to Use: Academic, corporate, or any setting where a healthy exchange of ideas took place.
9. “I’ll definitely be thinking about this conversation.”
A more reflective and thoughtful phrase, this one indicates that the conversation had a lasting impact on you. It’s ideal for deep discussions where you’ve gained new perspectives.
Example:
After a thought-provoking chat with a mentor or colleague about career goals or life choices, you might say, “I’ll definitely be thinking about this conversation.” It adds weight to the interaction.
When to Use: After a profound or impactful conversation that made you reflect on new ideas or perspectives.
10. “That was so much fun, let’s do it again sometime!”
Casual and fun, this phrase is perfect when you’ve had an enjoyable and lighthearted conversation with someone, especially if you’d like to keep the relationship going.
Example:
After a fun and engaging conversation with a new friend, this phrase keeps the tone light and encourages future interactions.
When to Use: Friends, casual acquaintances, or informal work conversations.
11. “I really appreciate your time today.”
A slightly more formal option, this phrase shows gratitude for someone’s time, especially when the conversation has been short but meaningful.
Example:
After a brief but insightful conversation with a senior colleague, this phrase acknowledges that you understand their time is valuable.
When to Use: In formal professional settings, when you want to express respect for the other person’s time.
Conclusion
Whether you’re saying goodbye after a casual chat or a formal meeting, how you choose to wrap up a conversation says a lot about your relationship and the tone you want to set for future interactions. Each of these phrases offers a unique nuance, from gratitude and reflection to lightheartedness and professionalism.
Now, let’s make this personal: Which of these phrases do you use the most? Or maybe you have your own go-to phrase that isn’t on the list? Share your favorite in the comments! Let’s continue the conversation – after all, it’s always nice talking to you!
