<strong>Abstract: </strong>The set of rhetorical engagements in science, technology and medicine presented at the 2013 ARST preconference panel provide case studies of the value the rhetorician offers science outreach programs. As an invited respondent from the scientific community, I took this opportunity to provide a critical perspective to the panel. In my opinion, the rhetorical contributions the panelists delivered through their collaborations with scientists make a compelling case for strategically incorporating more practitioners in the science outreach workforce.