Is It Okay to Say ‘It Was Nice Meeting You’? | Etiquette Guide

Human beings have a natural inclination towards expressing gratitude and courtesy towards one another in social interactions. It's a basic instinct that’s evolved over time, as we’ve come to rely on each other more and more for survival. When meeting someone for the first time, it's common to offer a simple greeting such as, "Nice to meet you." However, in recent years, there’s been some debate over whether or not this particular phrase is appropriate in certain situations. Some argue that it's too formal or insincere, while others believe it's a harmless nicety.

What Does It Mean It Was Nice Meeting You?

This phrase is used as a kind of farewell after initial introductions, and is often said with a smile or a nod of the head. It’s a common expression used in both formal and informal settings, signaling that the speaker enjoyed having the opportunity to meet someone new. When spoken genuinely, it can also be seen as an act of appreciation, acknowledging that the other person took time out of their day to get to know you.

At it’s core, “it was nice meeting you” expresses a sense of gratitude and warmth towards a person you”ve just met. It’s a way of acknowledging the positive experience of meeting someone new, and signals to the other person that they made a good impression. It’s also a way of setting the tone for future interactions – letting the other person know that you’re open to further contact and conversation.

It could be a sincere expression of gratitude, a casual farewell, or a way of setting the stage for further interaction. Regardless of the specific circumstances, this phrase is typically used as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation towards someone you”ve just met.

This might be used as a way of indicating that you’ve other responsibilities or engagements to attend to, and that you’re politely excusing yourself from the interaction. In such contexts, it can be seen as a way of gracefully ending a conversation, rather than abruptly walking away or simply saying nothing at all.

Whether in personal or professional contexts, this simple phrase can go a long way towards building goodwill and positive relationships with others.

How to Respond When Someone Says “It Was Nice Meeting You”

  • Say, “Likewise” or “It was nice meeting you too.”
  • Express your pleasure of meeting the person by saying, “I really enjoyed meeting you as well.”
  • Thank the person for the meeting by saying, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”
  • Exchange your contact information and suggest staying in touch by saying, “Let’s keep in touch. Here’s my contact information.”
  • Reflect on the meeting by saying, “I learned a lot from our conversation. Thank you for sharing your insights.”
  • End the conversation politely by saying, “Take care and have a great day.”

How Do You Say It Was Nice Meeting You in Past Tense?

The reason for this preference is that “meeting” implies a moment of interaction and connection, whereas “to meet” implies a simple introduction. Saying “it was nice to meet you” can come across as a formal acknowledgement of an initial meeting, lacking the warmth of a real conversation.

Moreover, the use of “meeting” in this context can indicate that a certain level of familiarity has been reached between the two parties. It suggests that the interaction was more than just a formality, and that a connection was made. Conversely, “to meet” implies that the interaction was simply a matter of introduction, with no real rapport established.

In a way, it can be seen as a mutual compliment, indicating that the interaction was enjoyable and meaningful.

Ultimately, the choice between the two phrases comes down to personal preference, but it’s clear that “it was nice meeting you” is the more effective and sincere choice.

Tips for Making a Genuine Connection With Someone During a First Meeting

When meeting someone for the first time, make eye contact and actively listen to what they’re saying. Show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions and sharing your own experiences. Avoid distractions like checking your phone or looking around the room. Be present in the moment and focus on building a genuine connection with the person. Remember to be yourself and let your personality shine through.

Source: What’s the grammatical difference between it “was” nice …

While online meetings have become the norm in today’s world, some people are still unsure of the etiquette involved. One common question is whether it’s appropriate to say “Nice to meet you” in an online meeting. Let’s take a closer look at this issue and explore some alternatives to the traditional greeting.

Can I Say Nice to Meet You in Online Meeting?

In todays world, virtual meetings have become more prevalent than ever before. With the rise of remote work and global team collaborations, people are meeting online more frequently than in person. As such, the art of greeting someone in a virtual meeting has also evolved over time. While some may still say “nice to e-meet you”, it isn’t necessary to acknowledge that the meeting is taking place online.

It’s still important to introduce yourself and be polite when meeting someone for the first time, regardless of the platform you’re using. However, it might be more appropriate to simply say “hello” or “good to see you” instead of acknowledging that the meeting is taking place virtually.

When it comes to virtual meetings, the focus should be on the content and the conversation rather than the medium. Whether you’re meeting someone in person or online, the goal is to establish a rapport and exchange ideas. By focusing on the conversation, you can create a more meaningful connection with the other person.

In some cases, acknowledging that the meeting is taking place virtually might be perceived as awkward. It might feel like you’re pointing out the obvious or drawing attention to something that doesn’t need to be mentioned. Therefore, it’s best to keep the conversation flowing naturally and not make a big deal about meeting online.

Now that we’ve covered some synonyms for “nice to meet you” that are suitable for professional and formal settings, it’s important to understand when and how to use them in a meeting. Making a positive first impression is crucial in any business setting, and greeting the other person with a friendly and professional phrase can help set the tone for the rest of the meeting. So, let’s delve into some tips on how to use these phrases effectively in a business meeting.

How Do You Say Nice to Meet You in a Meeting?

When you’re meeting someone for the first time in a professional setting, you want to make a good impression. One way to do this is to use the appropriate language to greet them. Instead of simply saying “hello,” you might opt for a warmer and more cordial greeting, such as “nice to meet you.”. This phrase has become a common way to acknowledge someones presence and express your pleasure at being able to meet them.

If you’re meeting someone who holds a high position or whom you highly respect, it may be appropriate to use the phrase “its an honor to meet you.”. This phrase conveys a high level of respect and admiration and will help you make a positive impression on the person you’re meeting.

Overall, the key to greeting someone in a professional setting is to use the appropriate level of formality and respect. By using the right language and tone, you can make the other person feel welcome and respected, setting the tone for a productive and positive meeting.

Other Phrases That Can Be Used to Greet Someone in a Professional Setting

  • Good morning
  • Good afternoon
  • Hello
  • Hi
  • Greetings
  • Nice to meet you
  • How do you do?
  • Pleased to meet you
  • Salutations
  • Hey there

But what if you want to switch it up and respond in a more creative or memorable way? Here are some alternative responses to try out next time someone says “Nice to meet you.”

What to Say if Someone Says It Was Nice Meeting You?

” Another casual reply could be “Likewise!” or “Great meeting you too!”

If you want to express a little more enthusiasm, you can say “It was wonderful meeting you!” or “I’d a great time talking with you!”. These replies convey that you genuinely enjoyed getting to know the person and appreciated their presence.

On the other hand, if you’re uncomfortable and want to keep things short, you could simply say “Thank you” or “You too” as a quick thank you for the introduction.

It’s also essential to match the tone of the conversation and the person youre speaking with. If they’re more formal and professional, it may be best to reply in a similar way. However, if they’re more laid-back and casual, a relaxed response would be better suited.

Overall, remember that their initial comment was an opportunity to connect with them and make a positive impression. Take advantage of this chance by being friendly and engaging. Remember their name, ask them a question, and show that you’re interested in getting to know them better.

How to Maintain a Connection With the Person After the Meeting

  • Send a follow-up email thanking them for their time.
  • Reference specific things discussed in the meeting to show that you were paying attention.
  • Schedule a follow-up meeting or phone call to continue the conversation.
  • Connect with them on social media and engage with their posts.
  • Send occasional articles or resources that might interest them based on the conversation.
  • Attend events or conferences where you know they’ll be and arrange to meet up.

Conclusion

In fact, it's often considered rude if you don't say it at all. Saying "Nice to meet you" is a simple and polite way to acknowledge someone's presence and express your gratitude for the meeting. It's a small gesture that can go a long way in building a positive rapport with someone, especially when it's accompanied by a smile and friendly demeanor. Ultimately, it's all about making a good first impression and establishing a connection with others.