You are at a business luncheon and French onion soup is served. How do you avoid an embarrassing situation, such as splashing soup all over the table, or dribbling melted cheese on your suit?

These are among the questions that etiquette and personal style consultant Gloria Petersen of Global Protocol (www.globalprotocol.com) will answer during a seminar June 2 for DePaul University junior and senior finance students. Petersen will provide business etiquette advice while guiding students through a four-course meal beginning at 1 p.m. in the DePaul Club on the 11th floor of the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

The seminar is part of an experiential learning course for upperclassmen enrolled in an honors finance program that offers students exposure to a wide range of topics, including career advice from finance professionals as well as tips on networking and interviewing and how to handle business interactions with poise and finesse.

For their lesson on business luncheons, Petersen will help students navigate a meal of French onion soup, salad, chicken and dessert. Petersen will discuss proper silverware use and how to manage difficult foods – such as soups with gooey cheese toppings and fruit tarts with hard shells – without losing face among business associates or potential employers.

“Our goal is to help students become more self-aware and self-assured by offering them tips – in a safe environment – that will help them feel more comfortable in real life business situations,” said Pat Ottensmeyer, a finance executive and DePaul adjunct professor of finance who teaches the course.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Media interested in covering the etiquette seminar should call Robin Florzak, director of media relations: 312/362-8592.