Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 21 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. 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. Did you bring documents or only talk?

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

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.