Looking Forward To Speaking To You Or With You

Looking Forward to Speaking to You: Mastering the Art of Professional Communication

The simple phrase, "Looking forward to speaking to you," seems innocuous enough. Yet, this seemingly small closing remark in an email or letter holds significant weight in professional communication. It sets the tone, builds rapport, and subtly influences the recipient's perception of you. Mastering its nuances can significantly impact your professional relationships and overall success. This article delves deep into the subtle differences between "speaking to you" and "speaking with you," explores best practices for incorporating this phrase, and provides examples for various professional contexts.

"To" vs. "With": A Subtle but Significant Distinction

While often used interchangeably, "looking forward to speaking to you" and "looking forward to speaking with you" subtly convey different meanings and levels of engagement. Understanding this nuance is crucial for crafting effective professional communication.

Speaking "To": A More Formal, Transactional Approach

"Looking forward to speaking to you" suggests a more formal, perhaps even transactional, interaction. It implies a communication focused on conveying information or completing a specific task. Think of a quick phone call to confirm an order, a brief update on a project, or a meeting centered around a specific agenda. The focus is on the efficient exchange of information rather than building a deeper connection. This phrasing is perfectly acceptable and often preferred in more formal business settings.

Speaking "With": Collaboration and Partnership

"Looking forward to speaking with you," on the other hand, implies a more collaborative and interactive exchange. It suggests a discussion where ideas will be shared, opinions exchanged, and a mutual understanding cultivated. This phrase is suitable for meetings aiming to brainstorm solutions, resolve conflicts, or build stronger working relationships. It indicates a more engaged and collaborative approach, emphasizing partnership and mutual understanding.

Choosing the right phrasing depends heavily on the context. Consider the nature of your communication, your relationship with the recipient, and the overall objective of the interaction. Err on the side of formality if unsure. Overly casual language can sometimes appear unprofessional.

Beyond the Phrase: Enhancing Your Professional Communication

While the choice between "to" and "with" is important, it's merely one aspect of effective professional communication. Consider these strategies to maximize the impact of your message and strengthen your professional relationships:

Context is King: Tailoring Your Approach

The effectiveness of "Looking forward to speaking to/with you" depends entirely on its context. A casual email to a colleague will differ drastically from a formal letter to a client or a superior. Always consider:

• Your relationship with the recipient: Are you communicating with a long-time colleague, a new client, or your boss? Adjust your tone accordingly.
• The purpose of the communication: Are you requesting information, scheduling a meeting, or following up on a previous conversation? The purpose should dictate the formality of your language.
• The overall tone of your message: Does your email or letter maintain a consistent tone throughout? The closing should reflect the overall tone and not appear jarring or out of place.

Adding Specificity: Beyond Generic Closings

Generic closings, while polite, can sometimes appear impersonal. Boosting the impact of your "Looking forward to speaking to/with you" with specific details enhances engagement:

• Mention the topic: Instead of a generic closing, try: "Looking forward to speaking with you on Tuesday about the marketing campaign." This clarifies the purpose of the call and sets expectations.
• Refer to a previous interaction: If you've already interacted, referencing it strengthens the connection: "Looking forward to speaking with you again on Friday to discuss the next steps following our last meeting."
• Express enthusiasm: Injecting positive language conveys genuine interest: "I'm really looking forward to speaking with you about the new project. I have some exciting ideas to share."

Choosing the Right Medium: Email, Phone, or In-Person?

The choice of communication medium significantly influences the appropriateness of the phrase. Using "Looking forward to speaking with you" in a formal letter might feel slightly out of place, whereas it's perfectly acceptable in an email or even a less formal letter. Consider:

• Formal letters: A more formal closing might be preferred, like "Sincerely," "Respectfully," or "Best regards," followed by a clear indication of the next step.
• Emails: "Looking forward to speaking with you" fits seamlessly into most professional emails, especially when scheduling calls or meetings.
• Informal communication: In extremely informal settings, a simpler closing like "See you then!" or "Talk soon!" might be more appropriate.

Examples in Different Professional Contexts

Let's examine examples of how to use "Looking forward to speaking to/with you" effectively in various professional situations:

Scheduling a Meeting

Example 1 (Formal):

Subject: Meeting to Discuss Q3 Projections

Dear Mr. Smith,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to schedule a meeting to discuss the Q3 projections for the Alpha project. Please let me know what time and day works best for you.

Looking forward to speaking with you to discuss these important figures.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Example 2 (Informal):

Subject: Quick Chat - Project Beta

Hey Sarah,

Just wanted to schedule a quick chat to go over the latest updates on Project Beta. Are you free sometime next week?

Looking forward to speaking to you then!

Best, [Your Name]

Following Up on an Inquiry

Example 1 (Formal):

Subject: Following up on your inquiry regarding the XYZ product

Dear Ms. Jones,

Thank you for your email regarding the XYZ product. I've attached the detailed product specifications as requested.

Looking forward to speaking with you to answer any further questions you may have.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Example 2 (Informal):

Subject: Re: Your Question about the Widget

Hi John,

Here's the information you requested about the Widget. Let me know if anything is unclear.

Looking forward to speaking to you if you have any more questions.

Best, [Your Name]

Concluding a Negotiation

Example:

Subject: Next Steps in Negotiation

Dear Mr. Brown,

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration during our negotiation today. We've made significant progress, and I'm confident we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Looking forward to speaking with you again tomorrow to finalize the contract details.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Crafting a Powerful Closing: Beyond the Expected

Beyond the choice of "to" or "with," consider these tips to make your closing truly impactful:

• Personalize it: Avoid generic closings. Personalize your message by referencing something specific from the conversation or email exchange.
• Offer value: End your communication by providing a small piece of valuable information or a helpful suggestion.
• Set clear expectations: Clearly state what will happen next and when. This reduces ambiguity and improves communication efficiency.
• Proofread carefully: Errors in grammar or spelling can undermine the professionalism of your communication. Always proofread carefully before sending.

Conclusion: Mastering the Nuances of Professional Communication

The seemingly simple phrase, "Looking forward to speaking to/with you," is more than just a polite closing. It's a powerful tool that can significantly impact your professional interactions. By understanding the subtle differences between "to" and "with," tailoring your approach to the context, and implementing the strategies outlined above, you can master the art of professional communication and build stronger, more productive relationships with colleagues, clients, and superiors. Remember that effective communication isn't just about what you say, but how you say it – and how you leave a lasting, positive impression.