I love the political theater involved when meeting prominent people. Here's a list of practical points when meeting with a French government minister. There's plenty of individual variation, but also institutional habits that seem to go with the job.

  1. Cast of characters. Will you be the only person meeting with the minister? Or will others be competing for attention? Likewise, will the minister be alone, or will his cabinet accompany him? (Some ministers travel with "posses" in rap star style.) 
  2. Brevity. In meetings, your point should fit on a note card. Limit any handout to one page.
  3. Flexible schedule. Expect your meeting to begin late, or to be cut short. Plan accordingly.
  4. Interruptions. Blackberry phones and text messaging are in fashion. (This is irritating but seems to go with the job.)
  5. Follow-up. The meeting is going well if the minister tells you which member of his cabinet will follow up or serve as a future contact. As a rule, the minister will be political, whereas the cabinet member will be a technocrat.