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

My claim was denied after 17 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I am in Oklahoma City, in case local advice matters. 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.