The shotgun microphone has a high directional sensitivity. In particular, the sound at the front of the microphone (on-axis, or in the direct direction of the microphone) is picked up. The sides and back of the shotgun microphone are less sensitive, causing the off-axis sounds (the indirect direction of the microphone) to fall away. Due to the narrow directional sensitivity you can use the shotgun microphone well in situations where you have to distance yourself from the subject. Just think of film sets, stadiums and wildlife shots.