Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - what worked for you?

I was told my separation was for misconduct, which is not what happened. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.