Originally Posted by
8che
You must retard the thrust lever before selecting alternate mode. Note both engines must be the same so if one goes soft you must select alternate on both (but retard first).
Just to clarify this statement to make sure its intent is not misinterpreted and I'm sure you meant it this way.
If the thrust lever is already at a relatively low power setting, no need to retard prior to selecting hard alternate. Would hate to see someone at a mid altitude with a low power setting at their flap maneuver speed want to retard the throttles further.
The checklist says, "retard to mid-position".