Which of the following activities is typically performed by a public relations department?

The activity of coordinating speaking engagements for employees is a key function of a public relations department. This involves organizing opportunities for employees, particularly executives or subject matter experts, to present information about the organization in public forums, conferences, or media appearances. Such engagements help enhance the organization's visibility, promote its message, and establish thought leadership in its industry. This public-facing role is essential for building relationships with various stakeholders, including customers, investors, and the general public, which is at the heart of what public relations aims to achieve.

In contrast, the other activities mentioned do not align with the core responsibilities typically associated with public relations. Developing job descriptions pertains to human resources, as it focuses on employment needs and talent management. Researching and developing product prototypes falls under product development or research and development departments, where the emphasis is on creating new products or improving existing ones. Selecting media for print and broadcast advertisements is more aligned with marketing activities, which focus on promotional strategies and advertising campaigns rather than the public relations function of managing the organization's image and communication strategies.