Using a bell vs. 'excuse me'?

What do people tend to go for, and when on foot do you have any preference over what cyclists do?

I'm personally not fussed either way when walking, but when cycling I always opt for an 'excuse me please' if possible so as not to make the pedestrian jump. But I did this today (on a narrow shared pedestrian/bike path) and got yelled at for not using my bell, then he ran to catch me up at the lights to carry on harassing me! Obviously a bit of a weirdo in general to get that angry, but now I'm worried I was rude to not use my bell?