Meeting someone for the first time – whether professionally, casually, or socially – can bring a bit of anticipation. One common phrase we often use is “Looking forward to meeting you.” While it is polite and appropriate, it can sometimes feel overused or a bit stiff, especially when trying to make a stronger impression. Whether you’re writing an email, chatting in person, or preparing for a formal interaction, varying your language can make your message feel more sincere and tailored.
In this guide, we’ll explore other ways to say “Looking forward to meeting you,” and provide clear examples for each. We’ll also break down what the phrase really means, its level of professionalism, its pros and cons, and when it might be better to try something different. If you’re looking for a more natural, human way to express enthusiasm about a future meeting, you’re in the right place.
What Does “Looking Forward to Meeting You” Mean?
When someone says, “Looking forward to meeting you,” they are expressing anticipation or positive feelings about a future meeting. This phrase shows eagerness, respect, and usually politeness. It’s commonly used in professional emails, event introductions, or even casual meet-ups arranged online.
For example, if you’ve scheduled a job interview, you might end your email by saying, “Looking forward to meeting you.” It signals your preparedness and excitement about the conversation ahead. This can set a warm tone before the actual interaction.
However, it’s more than just words. This expression builds a bridge between two people – it creates a pre-meeting connection that can ease nerves or show friendliness. The tone is typically formal but not stiff, and it works well across a wide range of contexts, from corporate communications to networking events.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Looking Forward to Meeting You”?
Yes, absolutely. Saying “Looking forward to meeting you” is both professional and polite. It strikes the perfect balance between friendliness and formality. You can use it in emails to hiring managers, future clients, business partners, or even colleagues you haven’t met yet.
For instance, if you’re scheduling a Zoom call with a potential collaborator, signing off with “Looking forward to meeting you” adds a courteous note. It implies readiness and mutual respect, which is crucial in professional settings.
On the other hand, while it’s a safe option, it might lack personal flair or originality in some situations. If you’re trying to leave a lasting impression, especially in creative industries or casual environments, you might want to opt for a more unique alternative. Still, it remains a reliable and polite phrase that rarely feels out of place.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using “Looking Forward to Meeting You”
Advantages:
1. Universally understood: The phrase is clear, respectful, and well-accepted in professional and casual settings.
2. Easy to use: It’s a safe, go-to option that doesn’t require much second-guessing.
3. Positive tone: It expresses enthusiasm without sounding too emotional or formal.
4. Builds rapport: Using this phrase can establish a polite and welcoming tone before any interaction.
For example, in client communication, saying “Looking forward to meeting you” can help start the relationship on a warm, respectful note.
Disadvantages:
1. Overused: Because it’s so common, it can feel generic or uninspired.
2. Lacks personalization: It doesn’t reveal anything specific about the meeting, the person, or your feelings.
3. Might feel too formal in casual conversations: In relaxed or creative settings, it might sound stiff or too corporate.
For example, if you’re meeting someone from a dating app, saying “Looking forward to meeting you” might feel more robotic than warm. In such cases, a more personalized expression could work better.
Full List of Alternatives:
1. “Can’t Wait to Meet You”
2. “I’m Eager to Meet You”
3. “Excited to Meet You”
4. “Looking Forward to Connecting”
5. “I Can’t Wait to Chat”
6. “I’m Looking Forward to Our Meeting”
7. “I’m Thrilled to Meet You”
8. “Can’t Wait to See You”
9. “I’m Excited About Our Upcoming Meeting”
10. “Looking Forward to Our Conversation”
11. “Eagerly Awaiting Our Meeting”
12. “Can’t Wait to Spend Time Together”
13. “Anticipating Our Meeting”
14. “Excited to Get to Know You”
15. “Thrilled About Our Meeting”
16. “I’m Really Looking Forward to Seeing You”
17. “I Look Forward to Our Discussion”
18. “It Will Be Great to Meet You”
19. “Can’t Wait for Our Interaction”
20. “Eager for Our Upcoming Conversation”
21. “Looking Forward to Catching Up”
22. “I’m Excited to Hear More from You”
23. “Looking Forward to Learning More About You”
24. “Anticipating Our Encounter”
25. “Can’t Wait for the Meeting”
26. “Thrilled to Meet You Soon”
27. “Excited to Meet Face to Face”
28. “Can’t Wait to Connect in Person”
29. “Ready to Meet You Soon”
30. “I’m Looking Forward to Seeing You”
30 Other Ways to Say ‘Looking Forward to Meeting You’
1. Can’t Wait to Meet You
Definition: An enthusiastic expression of anticipation about meeting someone.
Explanation: This phrase adds excitement and warmth to the idea of a future meeting, often used in both personal and professional conversations.
Scenario Example: “Can’t wait to meet you at the networking event this Friday!”
Tone: Friendly, informal, enthusiastic.
Meaning: It signals genuine interest and eagerness.
Origin: Commonly used in casual speech, especially in American English.
Use: Ideal for less formal business settings, friends, or informal email closings.
2. I’m Eager to Meet You
Definition: A more formal variation of expressing anticipation to meet someone.
Explanation: This version maintains a respectful and interested tone, suitable for interviews and professional settings.
Scenario Example: “I’m eager to meet you and discuss your vision for the company.”
Tone: Formal, sincere, professional.
Meaning: Indicates genuine interest in the upcoming interaction.
Origin: Derived from formal English expressions of enthusiasm.
Use: Perfect for professional emails, client introductions, and first-time meetings.
3. Excited to Meet You
Definition: A joyful, straightforward way to express happy anticipation of meeting someone.
Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to show enthusiasm without sounding overly casual.
Scenario Example: “Excited to meet you and share our ideas next week!”
Tone: Warm, positive, semi-formal.
Meaning: Reflects genuine positivity and forward-looking energy.
Origin: Common in spoken and written communication.
Use: Great for semi-formal business interactions, team introductions, and social meet-ups.
4. Looking Forward to Connecting
Definition: A broader and more modern phrase that can apply to in-person or virtual meetings.
Explanation: This expression emphasizes a relationship-building perspective rather than just the act of meeting.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to connecting during the strategy session.”
Tone: Professional, engaging, neutral.
Meaning: Highlights mutual interest in communication or collaboration.
Origin: Popular in business networking contexts.
Use: Perfect for email sign-offs, LinkedIn messages, or conference calls.
5. I Can’t Wait to Chat
Definition: A casual and cheerful way to anticipate a conversation or meeting.
Explanation: More appropriate in informal settings or when talking to someone you already know.
Scenario Example: “I can’t wait to chat during lunch on Thursday!”
Tone: Informal, friendly, cheerful.
Meaning: Suggests familiarity and excitement.
Origin: Commonly used in text messaging and casual emails.
Use: Ideal for friends, coworkers, or relaxed professional environments.
6. I’m Looking Forward to Our Meeting
Definition: A standard and professional way to express anticipation for a scheduled meeting.
Explanation: This phrase is a direct synonym of the original and works well across most contexts.
Scenario Example: “I’m looking forward to our meeting next Monday at 3 PM.”
Tone: Professional, courteous, polite.
Meaning: Clearly states readiness and positivity.
Origin: Business English, formal communication.
Use: Suitable for emails, meeting invites, and business correspondence.
7. I’m Thrilled to Meet You
Definition: A more expressive and enthusiastic version of looking forward.
Explanation: Adds a sense of excitement and emotion, often used in personal introductions.
Scenario Example: “I’m thrilled to meet you after hearing so much about your work.”
Tone: Energetic, expressive, genuine.
Meaning: Reflects high anticipation and admiration.
Origin: Used in speech and emotionally charged writing.
Use: Appropriate for speaking engagements, casual introductions, and conferences.
8. Can’t Wait to See You
Definition: A personal and friendly phrase to express eagerness about an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: Common in both social and some casual professional settings.
Scenario Example: “Can’t wait to see you at the team dinner!”
Tone: Informal, warm, inviting.
Meaning: Suggests comfort and excitement.
Origin: Everyday spoken English.
Use: Great for workplace friendships, casual business events, and reunions.
9. I’m Excited About Our Upcoming Meeting
Definition: A polite and respectful way to express enthusiasm about a planned meeting.
Explanation: It communicates interest and preparation.
Scenario Example: “I’m excited about our upcoming meeting to finalize the details.”
Tone: Professional, respectful, interested.
Meaning: Shows positivity and readiness.
Origin: Modern workplace vocabulary.
Use: Works well in client emails, team communications, and business appointments.
10. Looking Forward to Our Conversation
Definition: A thoughtful way to highlight the discussion aspect of an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: Focuses more on the exchange of ideas than the meeting itself.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to our conversation about the new project.”
Tone: Intellectual, conversational, professional.
Meaning: Emphasizes dialogue and shared perspectives.
Origin: Popular among consultants and collaborators.
Use: Effective in one-on-one discussions, interviews, and brainstorming sessions.
11. Eagerly Awaiting Our Meeting
Definition: A formal, polite expression indicating a strong anticipation to meet.
Explanation: This phrase conveys a high level of eagerness and politeness, typically used in professional settings or formal communication.
Scenario Example: “Eagerly awaiting our meeting to discuss the potential collaboration.”
Tone: Formal, respectful, and eager.
Meaning: Indicates a strong desire and readiness to engage in the meeting.
Origin: Derived from more traditional English, often used in business correspondence.
Use: Ideal for formal emails, professional networking, and business meetings.
12. Can’t Wait to Spend Time Together
Definition: A casual, warm way to express excitement about spending time with someone.
Explanation: This expression is often used among friends, colleagues, or acquaintances to express enthusiasm about an upcoming meeting.
Scenario Example: “Can’t wait to spend time together and catch up on old times!”
Tone: Informal, friendly, warm.
Meaning: Shows excitement and eagerness to enjoy time with the person.
Origin: Common in casual and personal contexts, such as social gatherings.
Use: Best for personal conversations or informal business meetings.
13. Anticipating Our Meeting
Definition: A formal, neutral way of expressing expectation or excitement for an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: The phrase suggests a polite level of readiness and anticipation without overly emotional tone.
Scenario Example: “I’m anticipating our meeting to go over the new product launch.”
Tone: Professional, polite, slightly formal.
Meaning: Implies readiness and expectation for a meaningful discussion.
Origin: Commonly used in business and professional contexts.
Use: Suitable for formal business correspondence, client meetings, or interviews.
14. Excited to Get to Know You
Definition: A friendly, positive expression indicating interest in learning more about someone.
Explanation: It reflects a desire to understand the person better, often used in networking or introductory settings.
Scenario Example: “Excited to get to know you better during our upcoming meeting.”
Tone: Friendly, open, and curious.
Meaning: Suggests interest in the person and a willingness to engage in meaningful conversation.
Origin: Often used in casual networking and personal interactions.
Use: Ideal for one-on-one meetings, networking events, and casual business interactions.
15. Thrilled About Our Meeting
Definition: A highly enthusiastic expression of excitement for an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: This phrase conveys genuine excitement and energy, making it perfect for situations where enthusiasm is important.
Scenario Example: “I’m thrilled about our meeting to discuss the new project ideas!”
Tone: Energetic, enthusiastic, informal.
Meaning: Shows strong excitement and passion for the meeting.
Origin: Used in both professional and personal contexts, especially when emotional expression is encouraged.
Use: Great for informal business meetings, conferences, and personal gatherings.
16. I’m Really Looking Forward to Seeing You
Definition: A personal and excited way to indicate eagerness about an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: This expression adds emphasis on the act of meeting or seeing the person, typically used in personal interactions.
Scenario Example: “I’m really looking forward to seeing you at the reunion this weekend!”
Tone: Casual, excited, informal.
Meaning: Conveys anticipation and enthusiasm for the interaction.
Origin: Common in casual, social settings.
Use: Perfect for personal meetings, reunions, or informal business settings.
17. I Look Forward to Our Discussion
Definition: A formal way to express anticipation for a thoughtful conversation.
Explanation: This phrase is ideal when the focus is on the substance of the meeting rather than just the meeting itself.
Scenario Example: “I look forward to our discussion about the upcoming changes in policy.”
Tone: Formal, professional, courteous.
Meaning: Indicates a focus on the content and value of the conversation.
Origin: Often used in professional and academic settings.
Use: Suitable for formal emails, meeting invitations, and professional networking.
18. It Will Be Great to Meet You
Definition: A positive, casual phrase used to express anticipation in a friendly way.
Explanation: This phrase conveys a tone of warmth and positivity, implying the meeting will be enjoyable.
Scenario Example: “It will be great to meet you at the conference next week!”
Tone: Friendly, positive, casual.
Meaning: Shows an optimistic outlook and eagerness to engage.
Origin: Common in both personal and informal business contexts.
Use: Ideal for social meetups, informal meetings, or networking events.
19. Can’t Wait for Our Interaction
Definition: An enthusiastic and slightly formal phrase to express eagerness about an upcoming exchange.
Explanation: This phrase highlights the idea of communication and interaction, often used in professional or business contexts.
Scenario Example: “Can’t wait for our interaction to discuss the partnership opportunities.”
Tone: Formal, polite, excited.
Meaning: Suggests anticipation for a meaningful exchange.
Origin: Common in business communication and professional settings.
Use: Suitable for client meetings, team interactions, and business discussions.
20. Eager for Our Upcoming Conversation
Definition: A polite and formal way of expressing interest in an upcoming discussion.
Explanation: This phrase indicates a professional tone, suggesting you are looking forward to the dialogue that will take place.
Scenario Example: “Eager for our upcoming conversation regarding the new initiative.”
Tone: Formal, respectful, eager.
Meaning: Reflects interest in the conversation and what will be discussed.
Origin: Often used in professional or formal communications.
Use: Appropriate for professional emails, conference calls, and important meetings.
21. Looking Forward to Catching Up
Definition: A casual and friendly way to express excitement about reconnecting.
Explanation: It’s often used when you are meeting someone after some time apart or when you have not interacted recently.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to catching up over lunch next week!”
Tone: Informal, friendly, casual.
Meaning: Implies a pleasant interaction and a relaxed meeting.
Origin: Commonly used among friends and colleagues who are familiar with each other.
Use: Ideal for informal meetups, social gatherings, and casual professional settings.
22. I’m Excited to Hear More from You
Definition: A phrase expressing curiosity and eagerness to learn more from someone.
Explanation: Often used in business settings or networking, this phrase shows interest in the other person’s ideas or opinions.
Scenario Example: “I’m excited to hear more from you about the new marketing strategies.”
Tone: Professional, courteous, curious.
Meaning: Indicates a genuine desire for more information or insight.
Origin: Popular in professional communications and discussions.
Use: Perfect for networking emails, business meetings, and professional conversations.
23. Looking Forward to Learning More About You
Definition: A friendly and polite way to express curiosity about someone.
Explanation: This phrase highlights your interest in getting to know the person better, often used in personal or networking contexts.
Scenario Example: “Looking forward to learning more about you and your work during our meeting.”
Tone: Curious, polite, friendly.
Meaning: Suggests a deeper interest in the person’s background or work.
Origin: Frequently used in business networking or when meeting new people.
Use: Suitable for one-on-one meetings, social networking, and introductory conversations.
24. Anticipating Our Encounter
Definition: A formal expression of looking forward to a scheduled meeting or encounter.
Explanation: This phrase is slightly more formal and can be used in professional and serious contexts.
Scenario Example: “I’m anticipating our encounter during the international conference.”
Tone: Formal, respectful, professional.
Meaning: Shows preparedness and expectation for the meeting.
Origin: Derived from traditional English expressions used in formal business or academic contexts.
Use: Ideal for formal business meetings, conferences, or high-level discussions.
25. Can’t Wait for the Meeting
Definition: A casual, direct expression showing strong anticipation for an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: This is an informal but enthusiastic way to express that you’re eagerly awaiting a planned meeting.
Scenario Example: “Can’t wait for the meeting on Thursday to go over the new project ideas.”
Tone: Friendly, informal, excited.
Meaning: Indicates strong enthusiasm and eagerness.
Origin: Common in casual conversations and informal business communications.
Use: Suitable for internal team meetings, social gatherings, and casual work interactions.
26. Thrilled to Meet You Soon
Definition: A very enthusiastic expression of excitement about meeting someone.
Explanation: This phrase is often used to express high anticipation in both professional and personal settings.
Scenario Example: “Thrilled to meet you soon and discuss our upcoming project.”
Tone: Excited, friendly, energetic.
Meaning: Conveys eagerness and high energy about the upcoming meeting.
Origin: Popular in both professional and personal settings.
Use: Best for interviews, presentations, and events.
27. Excited to Meet Face to Face
Definition: A phrase emphasizing excitement about meeting someone in person.
Explanation: This expression highlights the idea of meeting in real life, rather than virtually.
Scenario Example: “I’m excited to meet face to face and discuss our collaboration.”
Tone: Friendly, warm, anticipatory.
Meaning: Signals eagerness for in-person interaction.
Origin: Commonly used when referring to in-person meetings versus virtual ones.
Use: Ideal for in-person interviews, meetings, and events.
28. Can’t Wait to Connect in Person
Definition: A casual and warm phrase expressing excitement for in-person interaction.
Explanation: This phrase implies a strong eagerness to meet in person and share experiences or ideas.
Scenario Example: “Can’t wait to connect in person and talk about your upcoming book!”
Tone: Warm, enthusiastic, informal.
Meaning: Suggests eagerness for a personal connection.
Origin: Frequently used in professional and personal contexts.
Use: Great for professional meetups, conferences, and social gatherings.
29. Ready to Meet You Soon
Definition: A confident and excited way to express readiness for an upcoming meeting.
Explanation: This phrase conveys both preparedness and enthusiasm.
Scenario Example: “Ready to meet you soon and discuss our next steps.”
Tone: Confident, excited, informal.
Meaning: Reflects enthusiasm and readiness.
Origin: Common in both professional and personal contexts.
Use: Suitable for informal meetings, professional discussions, and casual events.
30. I’m Looking Forward to Seeing You
Definition: A polite, straightforward way to express anticipation about meeting someone.
Explanation: This phrase is commonly used in both formal and casual settings.
Scenario Example: “I’m looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming workshop!”
Tone: Polite, positive, welcoming.
Meaning: Indicates a pleasant expectation and readiness for the meeting.
Origin: Commonly used in everyday speech.
Use: Ideal for professional appointments, client meetings, and personal interactions.
Conclusion
The phrase “Looking forward to meeting you” is a professional and reliable choice. But using a fresh expression can help you sound more natural, human, and intentional. Language is powerful, and choosing the right phrase can set the tone for your entire meeting or conversation. Whether you want to sound excited, formal, or friendly, having a list of alternatives gives you flexibility and a chance to stand out.
The key is to match your tone to the situation. In formal business emails, a more traditional phrase works. In casual texts or messages, you can afford to be playful or creative. Either way, these alternatives ensure you never sound repetitive or robotic.
So the next time you’re preparing for a meeting, try one of these alternatives. It might just help you build a better connection from the very beginning.
FAQs
Is it okay to use “Looking forward to meeting you” in emails?
Yes, it’s a professional and polite phrase suitable for most formal emails.
What’s a more casual alternative to “Looking forward to meeting you”?
Try: “Can’t wait to meet you!” or “Excited to see you soon!”
Should I use different phrases in personal and business contexts?
Yes. Use more formal ones in business and more relaxed ones in casual settings.
Can I say “Looking forward to meeting you” in interviews?
Definitely. It shows politeness and interest, which interviewers usually appreciate.
How can I sound more enthusiastic?
Use alternatives like “I’m thrilled to meet you” or “Counting down the days!” to show excitement.
