diff --git a/query-demo.mjs b/query-demo.mjs
index 86c6df3..7bf1d04 100644
--- a/query-demo.mjs
+++ b/query-demo.mjs
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ function make_prompt(query) {
 		'This is a voice interface. When you are done, use the `speak` shell command to inform the user of the outcome — keep it brief and spoken-word natural.',
 		'If the task is a question, speak the answer directly.',
 		'If the task is an action, carry it out and then speak a short confirmation.',
+		'If the task will take more than a few seconds, use `speak` to say a brief acknowledgement BEFORE starting work, so the user knows you received it.',
 		'',
 		'--- Query ---',
 		query,