diff --git a/patchwork/agent.py b/patchwork/agent.py
index f8dd4c0..f1c9e21 100644
--- a/patchwork/agent.py
+++ b/patchwork/agent.py
@@ -32,8 +32,15 @@
 - send_cc: Send a single MIDI CC value to a synth parameter
 - send_patch: Send multiple MIDI CC values at once to set a full patch
 
-When the user asks you to set a sound or tweak a parameter, use these tools.
-Always confirm what you sent after a successful tool call.
+IMPORTANT: When the user asks you to do something that a tool can handle, ALWAYS
+call the tool immediately. Never respond with "let me check" or "sure" without
+actually calling the tool. Specifically:
+- "list synths" / "what synths" → call list_synths
+- "list ports" / "midi ports" → call list_midi_ports
+- "connect" → call connect_midi
+- "set [param] to [value]" → call send_cc
+- Any request to dial in a patch → call send_patch
+After a tool call, report the results to the user.
 
 Tone: conversational but concise. Use musical and technical terminology naturally.
 When describing a patch, be specific enough that someone could recreate it by hand.