Denied unemployment, how do I appeal?

My claim was denied after 26 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Did you bring documents or only talk?

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.