Starting a conversation is one thing—but ending it on a warm, thoughtful note is just as important. Saying “It was a pleasure speaking with you” is polite, but sometimes it can feel a little formal or routine. Using different ways to express the same idea can make your message feel more personal, genuine, and memorable.
In this article, we’ve compiled 35 alternatives to help you show appreciation, friendliness, and professionalism—whether you’re emailing a colleague, following up after a meeting, or networking with someone new. Each phrase comes with examples, explanations, and tips on when to use it, so you can choose the one that fits your conversation perfectly.
What Does “It Was a Pleasure Speaking With You” Mean?
This phrase expresses gratitude and positivity after a conversation. It indicates that you enjoyed the discussion, value the person’s time, and want to leave a positive impression. It’s often used in professional emails, follow-ups, networking, or casual conversations.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “It Was a Pleasure Speaking With You”?
Yes! This phrase is universally professional, polite, and courteous. It works in emails, virtual meetings, phone calls, or in-person conversations. However, depending on the tone and context, alternatives can add warmth, friendliness, or a personalized touch.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Shows appreciation and politeness
- Strengthens professional relationships
- Leaves a positive impression
Disadvantages:
- Overused in corporate communication
- May feel generic if not paired with personalized context
- Might not convey genuine warmth if said mechanically
1. It Was Wonderful Talking With You
Meaning: Expresses genuine enjoyment of the conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a slightly more personal touch than the standard phrase.
Scenario Example: “It was wonderful talking with you about your recent project updates.”
Best Use: Friendly professional or casual follow-ups.
Tone: Warm, appreciative
2. I Really Enjoyed Our Conversation
Meaning: Shows heartfelt appreciation.
Detailed Explanation: Indicates you actively valued the discussion and attention given.
Scenario Example: “I really enjoyed our conversation about your new marketing strategies.”
Best Use: Networking or informal professional settings.
Tone: Thoughtful, sincere
3. It Was Great Connecting With You
Meaning: Highlights the act of forming a connection.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly less formal; emphasizes relationship-building.
Scenario Example: “It was great connecting with you at the conference today.”
Best Use: Networking events or casual follow-ups.
Tone: Friendly, approachable
4. I Truly Appreciated Our Discussion
Meaning: Shows gratitude for their time and insights.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests that the conversation was valuable and impactful.
Scenario Example: “I truly appreciated our discussion about your career journey.”
Best Use: Professional, more formal emails.
Tone: Polite, respectful
5. It Was a Joy to Speak With You
Meaning: Conveys excitement and pleasure.
Detailed Explanation: Strongly positive and uplifting; slightly more personal.
Scenario Example: “It was a joy to speak with you about the upcoming project.”
Best Use: Friendly professional tone; suitable for small, intimate meetings.
Tone: Cheerful, enthusiastic
6. I Had a Delightful Conversation With You
Meaning: Emphasizes enjoyment and delight.
Detailed Explanation: Adds sophistication and warmth to your message.
Scenario Example: “I had a delightful conversation with you regarding the quarterly plans.”
Best Use: Professional or semi-formal email context.
Tone: Elegant, warm
7. It Was a Real Pleasure Chatting With You
Meaning: Slightly informal, warm.
Detailed Explanation: “Chatting” softens the tone and adds friendliness.
Scenario Example: “It was a real pleasure chatting with you about our shared interests in AI.”
Best Use: Informal or semi-professional settings.
Tone: Casual, friendly
8. I Enjoyed Our Discussion Very Much
Meaning: Formal expression of enjoyment.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes gratitude and attentiveness.
Scenario Example: “I enjoyed our discussion very much regarding the upcoming client presentation.”
Best Use: Formal emails or professional follow-ups.
Tone: Polished, courteous
9. Speaking With You Was Truly Enjoyable
Meaning: Shows genuine pleasure.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights that the interaction was meaningful.
Scenario Example: “Speaking with you was truly enjoyable; your insights are inspiring.”
Best Use: Networking emails or professional communication.
Tone: Thoughtful, engaging
10. I Loved Our Conversation
Meaning: Expresses strong positivity.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly more personal; indicates deep appreciation.
Scenario Example: “I loved our conversation about the new project strategies.”
Best Use: Friendly or informal professional tone.
Tone: Warm, enthusiastic
11. I Appreciate the Time You Took to Talk With Me
Meaning: Highlights gratitude for their time.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on respect for the other person’s availability.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate the time you took to talk with me about the partnership.”
Best Use: Formal emails, polite professional communication.
Tone: Respectful, considerate
12. I Enjoyed Speaking With You Today
Meaning: Straightforward and professional.
Detailed Explanation: Neutral but warm; works in most professional settings.
Scenario Example: “I enjoyed speaking with you today regarding the budget planning.”
Best Use: Daily professional interactions.
Tone: Neutral, courteous
13. It Was a Privilege to Speak With You
Meaning: Indicates respect and honor.
Detailed Explanation: Adds formality and appreciation for the person’s expertise or position.
Scenario Example: “It was a privilege to speak with you about your leadership experience.”
Best Use: Formal meetings or executive-level communication.
Tone: Respectful, professional
14. I Was Glad to Have This Conversation
Meaning: Shows satisfaction and positivity.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on personal fulfillment from the interaction.
Scenario Example: “I was glad to have this conversation about your innovative ideas.”
Best Use: Professional but conversational tone.
Tone: Warm, appreciative
15. It Was Enjoyable Talking With You
Meaning: Slightly simpler expression of pleasure.
Detailed Explanation: Neutral and safe for most interactions.
Scenario Example: “It was enjoyable talking with you about the project timeline.”
Best Use: Professional settings and casual conversations.
Tone: Neutral, polite
16. I Found Our Conversation Very Insightful
Meaning: Highlights learning and value.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes that you gained knowledge or perspective.
Scenario Example: “I found our conversation very insightful regarding the latest marketing trends.”
Best Use: Networking, mentorship, professional growth conversations.
Tone: Respectful, thoughtful
17. It Was a Great Experience Talking With You
Meaning: Shows enjoyment and appreciation.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights the overall positive impact of the conversation.
Scenario Example: “It was a great experience talking with you about the new team dynamics.”
Best Use: Professional or semi-formal interactions.
Tone: Friendly, warm
18. I Truly Enjoyed Our Exchange
Meaning: Highlights meaningful interaction.
Detailed Explanation: “Exchange” focuses on dialogue and mutual communication.
Scenario Example: “I truly enjoyed our exchange of ideas on improving the workflow.”
Best Use: Professional or networking context.
Tone: Thoughtful, engaging
19. It Was a Treat Speaking With You
Meaning: Slightly playful and warm.
Detailed Explanation: Indicates delight and appreciation in a friendly way.
Scenario Example: “It was a treat speaking with you about your recent accomplishments.”
Best Use: Semi-formal or casual professional tone.
Tone: Friendly, cheerful
20. I Appreciate Our Conversation
Meaning: Direct expression of gratitude.
Detailed Explanation: Shows that the conversation itself is valued.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate our conversation about potential collaboration.”
Best Use: Professional emails and polite follow-ups.
Tone: Respectful, courteous
21. I Was Pleased to Speak With You
Meaning: Expresses satisfaction and appreciation.
Detailed Explanation: Formal but friendly; emphasizes gratitude for the opportunity to converse.
Scenario Example: “I was pleased to speak with you about the upcoming product launch.”
Best Use: Professional emails, follow-ups, formal conversations.
Tone: Polite, professional
22. It Was Rewarding Talking With You
Meaning: Highlights value gained from the conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests that the discussion provided insights, guidance, or mutual benefit.
Scenario Example: “It was rewarding talking with you about improving team productivity.”
Best Use: Professional, mentorship, or collaborative contexts.
Tone: Thoughtful, appreciative
23. I Enjoyed Our Interaction
Meaning: Slightly formal yet warm expression.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes mutual communication and engagement.
Scenario Example: “I enjoyed our interaction during today’s client meeting.”
Best Use: Professional or networking emails.
Tone: Neutral, respectful
24. Speaking With You Was Very Pleasant
Meaning: Classic polite expression of enjoyment.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights comfort and satisfaction during the conversation.
Scenario Example: “Speaking with you was very pleasant, especially discussing your innovative ideas.”
Best Use: Formal and semi-formal professional contexts.
Tone: Polite, professional
25. It Was Fantastic Talking With You
Meaning: Conveys strong positivity and excitement.
Detailed Explanation: Adds energy and warmth to your message.
Scenario Example: “It was fantastic talking with you about the upcoming marketing campaign.”
Best Use: Informal or friendly professional settings.
Tone: Enthusiastic, warm
26. I Appreciated Our Dialogue
Meaning: Shows gratitude for a meaningful conversation.
Detailed Explanation: “Dialogue” emphasizes a thoughtful, two-way exchange.
Scenario Example: “I appreciated our dialogue on improving workflow efficiency.”
Best Use: Professional emails, discussion follow-ups, or mentorship.
Tone: Professional, thoughtful
27. I Found Our Chat Very Enjoyable
Meaning: Casual expression of pleasure.
Detailed Explanation: “Chat” softens the tone, making it feel more personal and approachable.
Scenario Example: “I found our chat very enjoyable, especially hearing your insights on AI trends.”
Best Use: Informal professional emails or networking.
Tone: Friendly, approachable
28. It Was Lovely Speaking With You
Meaning: Warm, slightly personal expression.
Detailed Explanation: “Lovely” conveys genuine enjoyment and pleasantness.
Scenario Example: “It was lovely speaking with you and learning about your experience in design.”
Best Use: Friendly professional emails or semi-formal meetings.
Tone: Warm, appreciative
29. I Truly Valued Our Conversation
Meaning: Highlights the importance and value of the discussion.
Detailed Explanation: Shows gratitude and recognition of meaningful dialogue.
Scenario Example: “I truly valued our conversation regarding potential collaboration opportunities.”
Best Use: Formal and professional communications.
Tone: Respectful, sincere
30. It Was Excellent Speaking With You
Meaning: Strong expression of positivity.
Detailed Explanation: Indicates that the conversation met or exceeded expectations.
Scenario Example: “It was excellent speaking with you about your leadership strategies.”
Best Use: Professional or semi-formal settings.
Tone: Confident, warm
31. I Enjoyed Learning From You
Meaning: Shows appreciation for the other person’s expertise.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights that the conversation was informative and insightful.
Scenario Example: “I enjoyed learning from you about the new industry regulations.”
Best Use: Mentorship, networking, or expert discussions.
Tone: Respectful, thoughtful
32. It Was a Real Honor to Speak With You
Meaning: Expresses deep respect and admiration.
Detailed Explanation: Strong formal tone; suitable for senior professionals or executives.
Scenario Example: “It was a real honor to speak with you about your leadership journey.”
Best Use: Formal business, executive-level communication.
Tone: Respectful, professional
33. I Genuinely Enjoyed Our Talk
Meaning: Emphasizes sincerity and genuine pleasure.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights that the conversation was meaningful on a personal level.
Scenario Example: “I genuinely enjoyed our talk about upcoming team projects.”
Best Use: Professional or semi-formal, friendly tone.
Tone: Warm, sincere
34. I Was Grateful for Our Conversation
Meaning: Focuses on appreciation and thankfulness.
Detailed Explanation: Expresses that you value the time, effort, or insights shared.
Scenario Example: “I was grateful for our conversation about your recent experiences in the field.”
Best Use: Formal emails, professional follow-ups.
Tone: Respectful, polite
35. It Was Truly a Pleasure Engaging With You
Meaning: Formal and heartfelt.
Detailed Explanation: Combines professionalism with warmth, emphasizing engagement and enjoyment.
Scenario Example: “It was truly a pleasure engaging with you on strategies for team collaboration.”
Best Use: Formal professional communication, networking emails.
Tone: Polite, thoughtful
Conclusion
Using thoughtful alternatives to “It was a pleasure speaking with you” allows your communication to feel more personal, warm, and meaningful. Whether you want to be friendly, formal, appreciative, or enthusiastic, the right words can strengthen relationships, leave a lasting impression, and convey genuine gratitude.
By carefully selecting a phrase that fits the context, tone, and purpose of your message, you ensure your conversations are memorable, respectful, and professional.
