Denied unemployment, how do I appeal?

My claim was denied after 24 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. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. 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.