In Alma 7, Alma addresses the inhabitants of Gideon. In the first six verses, he effectively portrays himself as one who is worth listening to because of his many accomplishments and as someone who has stayed humble even in the position of chief judge over the land. In verse two, he establishes his credibility in a way that is particularly effective for his audience of a more righteous group of people.
"And even I could not have come now at this time were it not that the judgment-seat hath been given to another, to reign in my stead; and the Lord in much mercy hath granted that I should come unto you. "
There was probably renown and authority associated with being the chief judge, and Alma could have noted that aspect about himself, but instead he says he was "wholly confined to the judgment-seat." By saying 'wholly confined,' he implies that he would have rather been doing something else, like speaking to the people, and that judgment-seat is not a particularly desirable position. Alma knew that preaching the gospel was more important than being chief judge, and guessed that the people of Gideon agreed with him, so he presented himself as one who knew the gospel rather than as the former chief judge.
In addition, Alma says several times how much he trusts that the people of Gideon are doing what is right. He identifies with the people by mentioning several things that they all would consider important if they are following Christ, especially in verses three and six. For example, “I trust...that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins.” Placing his trust in his audience that they are doing what is right makes it easier to listen to his counsel
Alma also mentions “the awful dilemma that our brethren were in at Zarahemla” in Alma 5, referring to how the people of Zarahemla had strayed from the right paths. He speaks to this audience and establishes his credibility differently. In Alma 5:3, he says, “I, Alma, having been consecrated by my father, Alma, to be a high priest over the church of God, he having power and authority from God to do these things...” He stresses his responsibility as high priest to preach the gospel when he could have mentioned his previous authority as chief judge.
The people of Zarahemla might have known already that Alma was famous for being the chief judge, and maybe even for rebelling against the church in his youth, but I would guess that Alma wanted them to realize that his priesthood and the things of God are of more eternal value than fame. Besides, since Alma intended to preach the gospel, his position as the high priest is a better qualification than his experience as chief judge.
Even though Alma probably could have caught the attention of either of his audiences by referencing his worldly fame, he understood its transient and fleeting value, and focused instead on the gospel.
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