This study clarified the relation between Japanese compliments and discourse development by analyzing a tester’s compliments in dialogic language assessment (DLA). By focusing on the type of compliment and its expression, this paper revealed the following two points: 1) specific kinds of compliments (“envy”, “facts”, “appreciation”) are used in the specific environment of the discourse; and 2) when compliments are expressed by “feelings”, specific expressions are used regardless of the environment. However, when compliments are expressed by “evaluation”, the expression varies according to the environment. These results show us that various kinds of compliments are used properly depending on the aspects of the discourse development. In other words, by using various kinds of compliments in each environment, conversation participants can understand the aspects of the discourse.