How did Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand become foreign minister under the Directory?

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand became foreign minister under the Directory in 1797 through a combination of political maneuvering and personal connections.1

After returning to Paris in September 1796, Talleyrand sought to reenter political life. He gained public esteem by presenting a paper to the Institut National in July 1797, in which he argued that France should abandon efforts to reconquer its American colonies in favor of establishing colonies in Africa.1

Shortly after this presentation, his growing reputation and his established connections with a member of the ruling Directory—specifically Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, vicomte de Barras, who was a key figure in the regime and a member of the same political circle—secured him the appointment as foreign minister.12