What element should precede the body of a business letter?

The element that should precede the body of a business letter is the salutation. This greeting serves to address the recipient directly and sets a professional tone for the correspondence. It typically follows the date, which documents when the letter is being sent and provides context for the timing of the communication.

The salutation often starts with "Dear" followed by the recipient's title and last name. This personalizes the letter and indicates respect and acknowledgment of the recipient's identity. Including a proper salutation is crucial for maintaining formality and professionalism in business communication.

While the date is also an important component, it comes before the salutation in the structure of a business letter. Enclosure notation is used when there are additional documents included with the letter, and the complimentary close is found at the end, as it wraps up the letter with a polite sign-off. Thus, the salutation is the first element that directly precedes the body of the letter, making it essential for effective communication.