Microphones used for video conferencing normally have one of two types of pick-up pattern: omnidirectional or cardioid. An omnidirectional microphone is equally sensitive to sounds all around it. Think of it as the audio equivalent of a 360° camera, the mic can hear sounds coming from all directions. So omnidirectional microphones are useful if a few people are sitting in front of a laptop or conference screen. A cardioid microphone is more selective in what it hears. It’s often referred to as an unidirectional mic, since it is most sensitive to sound coming from in front, less sensitive to sound from the sides, and almost deaf to sounds from behind. A cardioid microphone would be ideal if you only want to capture your own voice and help to minimize the ambient sounds to your sides and in front of you.