Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? (update)

My claim was denied after 12 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. 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.