He went to prison… to join Willy Benkő in training inmates at the Kozma street prison. And he started a Hungarian public speech training course in 2010.

On summer weekends, he makes a living by emceeing weddings. He also works for a law office as an IT specialist. Attila first went to the Budapest Toastmasters Club to improve his presentation skills and was elected President in 2012. Now he's committed to helping people to develop their presentations skills in English and in Hungarian as well.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Since I was born and raised in Hungary, I have to say I arrived here in 1982, when summers were a little cooler and we had to go on parade on every 1st May.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No, but I have visited several countries in Europe.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
How people hate the public transport in Budapest. I find it satisfying. Mostly...

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
One weekend is so little time that I’d even suggest that they not check into a hotel. Prompt at arrival to Liszt Ferenc Airport and then check the Aircraft Memorial Museum.
Arrive to the city and relax at the Széchenyi Baths. Take a walk through the Városliget, and walk down Andrassy. Have lunch at Baldaszti’s and head to Margit Island. Rent a Bringóhintó.
When the evening comes go up the Castle and take a walk through the cobblestoned streets. Later get on a boat and check an open-air live concert also on Margit island.
As late night comes, drop in to Ötkert and party until dawn. Sit above the entrance of the Tunnel and watch the sun as it rises over Pest. Go for breakfast at the Cserpes Tejivó on Erzsébet Square and then…
start the whole process over again.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
My sense of taste impersonates the typical Hungarian sense of taste: my favourite food is breaded chicken, but I only favour it if it is done by my mother.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Túró Rudi. But only the bigger one.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
“Jellem” Character is what defines us. No matter what kind of environment you are in, your principles and character should be preserved.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Though I’m still “home”, I was raised outside of Budapest. So sometimes I miss the slower pace of life, how you don’t always have to hurry, when you walk on the streets and don’t always
have to reply fast when you are asked a question. People seem to have more time in the country.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I love the way my life and my career is going. However, I’d love to try the job of a WRC rally car driver. That really seems fun!

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Any job where I am told who I have to work with. Positive environment and positive, enthusiastic people are important to me. I like the impact we have on each other.
This is one of the reasons I like Budapest Toastmasters so much.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Malága, Spain. Nice weather. Great scenery and a little bit of Spanish culture. I was even able to pick up some Spanish words.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Not sure. Somewhere by the coast with warm weather where mobile phones and internet don't work.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Michael Jackson, Back to the Future, and cycling as a teen.

14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
I’m always training myself, but Túró Rudi had yet always won.

15. Red wine or white?
Pálinka (Unfortunately I don’t like wine at all)

16. Book or movie?
Depends on the impact. If there is a book I can’t put down, the winner is definitely the book.

17. Morning person or night person?
Night person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Make people feel good about themselves is important. It is basically about jobs, but empathy and social responsibility are the key solution.
And this is why I'm President of Budapest Toastmasters Club.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
I like the mood in Buda, but I live in Pest, which is more comfortable from a transportation point of view.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
I don’t hear what you are saying, because your actions are shouting so loudly.