Talking with the characters almost always helps. Talking with another live person, sometimes. Of course the way that usually goes is:

Emily: I'm having trouble with this transition.

Ken: What kind?

Emily: Well, why would he do X? Is it Y? Or is it Z? Or... *holds up finger and stares into space*

Emily: ....

Emily: *dashes for computer*

Ken: *calls after with a grin* Glad I could help.

So I really do think it's the process of translating what I hear into words that gives me words I can put down on the page/screen. I'm not usually looking for feedback so much as an ear while I fish.