Actually, putting the attribution at the beginning is how transcripts are usually done. You can see it in articles that are mainly the transcript of an interview[1], or even in court transcripts[2].
> similar to common letter opening "Dear Mr. Smith: Please find enclosed...".
It's been some time since I've written a letter, but I remember that the typical format uses a comma and not a colon. For example:
Yes, but this is clearly a headline, not a transcript.
And using a colon in a salutation is recommended for business usage according to most style manuals. Traditionally, style manuals discourage letter writers from using a comma unless they are friendly with the recipient.
And using a colon in a salutation is recommended for business usage according to most style manuals. Traditionally, style manuals discourage letter writers from using a comma unless they are friendly with the recipient.