Why did Picard wiggle his index finger when saying "Engage"?

[CoveTom]

I notice that in the first season, Picard used his left hand, but in all later episodes he switched to his right. That has to mean something.

 

[DonIago]

He's bi?

 

[David cgc]

It was iconic. I remember action figures and statuettes of Picard always had his right hand mid-point.

Given that Stewart's frequently appeared on "American Dad", where I believe the writers take particular glee in having him spout outrageous lines (and he does it so well), I somehow doubt that the finger-point was a particular concern for him, unless he's let his hair down more (ha!) over time.

When he was being interviewed by Mark & Brian one time, they had him read the lyrics to a rap song as if it was a work of Shakespeare.

I remember he did that on Ellen, too, when Nemesis came out. I always thought it was a shame that it happened before it became status quo for such things to end up on YouTube.