Writing Effectively at The World Health Organization

Responsive and initiative openings

Your opening should answer the reader’s first question – "Why am I reading this?” – whether the correspondence is responsive or initiative.

Responsive openings

A responsive document should begin with a reminder – a statement that acknowledges the original request. This opening helps you capture interest and prepare the reader for your message. Consider these typical responsive reminders:

Initiative openings

When you initiate the dialogue, you must provide your reader with some background or context for your communication. Examples of initiative openings:

© WHO 2011