What is typically the first element in a business letter's body?

In a business letter, the first element in the body is typically the introduction. This part serves to establish the purpose of the letter and provide context to the reader. An effective introduction engages the reader, providing necessary background information and stating the reason for the correspondence clearly.

Although the salutation and greeting are important components of a letter, they precede the body. The subject line, which is sometimes included, serves as a brief overview of the letter's content but is less common in traditional business letters compared to modern formats. Therefore, beginning the body of the letter with an introductory paragraph is essential for clear communication.