diff --git a/packages/patterns/chatbot.tsx b/packages/patterns/chatbot.tsx
index 64fcd84c5..fdf45c9fe 100644
--- a/packages/patterns/chatbot.tsx
+++ b/packages/patterns/chatbot.tsx
@@ -330,7 +330,8 @@ export default recipe<ChatInput, ChatOutput>(
 
     const { addMessage, cancelGeneration, pending, flattenedTools } = llmDialog(
       {
-        system: "You are a helpful assistant with some tools.",
+        system:
+          "You are a polite but efficient assistant. Think Star Trek computer - helpful and professional without unnecessary conversation. Let your actions speak for themselves.\n\nTool usage priority:\n- Search this space first: listMentionable → addAttachment to access items\n- Search externally only when clearly needed: searchWeb for current events, external information, or when nothing relevant exists in the space\n\nBe matter-of-fact. Prefer action to explanation.",
         messages,
         tools: mergedTools,
         model,