Ending your emails professionally and positively is crucial for building strong relationships and leaving a lasting impression. A simple "looking forward" phrase can significantly enhance your email's closing. This guide will provide you with various ways to effectively use this phrase, ensuring your emails are both professional and engaging.
Why "Looking Forward" Works
The phrase "looking forward" expresses anticipation and enthusiasm. It subtly conveys professionalism and politeness, leaving the recipient with a positive feeling. It's a concise yet powerful way to signal the end of your email while maintaining a friendly and optimistic tone. This is particularly important in professional contexts where building rapport is key.
Benefits of Using "Looking Forward":
- Professionalism: It maintains a formal tone suitable for business communication.
- Positivity: It projects a sense of optimism and eagerness for future interaction.
- Clarity: It clearly signals the end of the email, avoiding ambiguity.
- Relationship Building: It fosters a positive and collaborative relationship with the recipient.
How to Use "Looking Forward" Effectively
The key is to tailor your closing to the context of the email. Here are some examples:
Formal Closings:
- "Looking forward to your response." (Suitable for most professional emails requiring a reply.)
- "Looking forward to hearing from you soon." (A slightly less formal option, still suitable for professional contexts.)
- "Looking forward to our meeting on [Date]." (Specific and appropriate when scheduling a meeting.)
- "Looking forward to discussing this further." (Ideal when you anticipate further conversation.)
- "Looking forward to collaborating with you on this project." (Great for teamwork and collaboration.)
Slightly Less Formal Closings:
- "Looking forward to working with you." (Suitable for established professional relationships.)
- "Looking forward to your update." (Good for following up on progress.)
- "Looking forward to the next steps." (Useful after agreeing on a plan of action.)
Things to Avoid:
- Overuse: Don't overuse "looking forward" in every email. Variety is key.
- Inconsistent Tone: Ensure the overall tone of your email aligns with your closing. A casual closing in a formal email will feel jarring.
- Generic Closings: While "looking forward" is versatile, avoid overly generic endings that lack specificity.
Crafting the Perfect Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Review your email: Ensure your message is clear, concise, and achieves its purpose.
- Choose your closing: Select a phrase that best suits the context and your relationship with the recipient.
- Add a personal touch (optional): If appropriate, add a brief personalized sentence before your closing. For example, "I appreciate your time and consideration."
- Proofread: Carefully review your email for any grammatical errors or typos.
Beyond "Looking Forward": Alternative Closing Phrases
While "looking forward" is excellent, diversifying your closings keeps your communication fresh and engaging. Consider alternatives such as:
- "Thank you for your time and consideration."
- "I appreciate your assistance."
- "Best regards,"
- "Sincerely,"
- "Warmly,"
Remember to choose a closing that aligns with the overall tone of your email and your relationship with the recipient.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Email Closings
Mastering the art of email closings is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your professional communication. Using "looking forward" effectively, combined with other strong closing phrases and thoughtful email composition, will leave a positive and lasting impression on your recipients. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently craft professional and engaging emails that promote positive relationships and effective communication.
