In best practice, what should start a response to an inquiry?

• A. Greeting and acknowledgment.
• B. Immediate direct answer only.
• C. No greeting.
• D. A disclaimer that you cannot help.

Answer: (A)

Opening with a greeting and acknowledgment sets a courteous, collaborative tone when responding to inquiries. It shows you’ve received the message and are ready to help, which helps establish rapport and makes the person feel valued. A brief acknowledgment confirms you understood the question and signals you’ll take the time to respond thoughtfully, which can lead to clearer communication and fewer misunderstandings. This approach also invites any needed follow-up questions and sets a respectful pace for the exchange.

Jumping straight to a direct answer can come across as abrupt, leaving the reader feeling rushed or ignored and potentially missing important context. Not greeting at all reduces warmth and friendliness, making the interaction feel transactional. Starting with a disclaimer that you cannot help stops the flow of assistance and isn’t conducive to productive dialogue unless there are real constraints.