Selecting the perfect eLearning voice-over artist can be a pivotal decision in the creation of educational materials. Successful eLearning courses require a voice that resonates with the audience and complements the content. Here are nine criteria to consider when choosing the right voice-over artist for your eLearning projects:

1. Clarity of Voice: Essential for understanding, the voice-over artist should have impeccable diction and a clear, articulate voice that makes even complex material easy to comprehend.

2. Tone: The tone should match the intent of the eLearning content. For serious subjects, a more sober tone is appropriate, while lighter topics may benefit from a warmer, friendlier voice.

3. Pacing: The artist must be adept at pacing their delivery, neither too fast that it overwhelms learners nor too slow that it bores them.

4. Language Proficiency: If the eLearning course is designed for non-native speakers, an artist with clear enunciation and slower speech might be necessary. For native speakers, choose a voice that matches the language proficiency level of your audience.

5. Consistency: Consistency in performance across different sessions is key to maintaining a professional feel in longer courses.

6. Accent: Depending on your audience, you may require a neutral accent or one that reflects a particular region or country.

7. Engagement: A great eLearning voice-over artist can engage listeners and keep them interested throughout modules with variation in pitch and energy.

8. Technical Skills: A skilled artist should also possess knowledge of recording equipment and audio software to deliver high-quality sound files that require minimal post-production work.

9. Experience: Ideally, your chosen artist will have previous eLearning experience or demonstrate an understanding of instructional design principles which aids in better communication of material.

By carefully considering each of these criteria during your selection process, you will find a voice-over artist capable of elevating your educational content to its highest potential.