It is not hard to imagine this scene. Alma is standing alone (though undoubtedly with Amulek nearby) among a number of people who are derisive and becoming increasingly sure of themselves. At this point, they approach nearer, making gestures that lead Alma to surmise that they want to seize him. Nevertheless, Alma holds his ground “with boldness.” Very likely, his boldness itself deterred the crowd. They probably expected to frighten Alma and that he would attempt to escape. The fact that he did the exact opposite apparently disconcerted them, giving Alma enough space to begin preaching anew to them.