Why are signal reports typically exchanged at the beginning of an HF contact?

Exchanging signal reports at the very beginning of an HF contact gives both operators immediate feedback on propagation conditions. High Frequency (HF) bands are subject to rapid fading, noise, and interference, which can change significantly from minute to minute. By knowing how well their signal is being received, an operator can adjust their operating style. For example, if the signal is weak and noisy, they might speak slower, use phonetics more often, or keep the contact short. If the signal is exceptionally strong, they can proceed with a normal, relaxed conversation. Other options are incorrect because signal reports do not calibrate a frequency display, nor are they a strict requirement for the standard radiogram format. While some award programs do require signal reports, the practical reason for exchanging them early is purely for operational adjustment.