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I've done a couple tile floors, mostly bathrooms, but 2 kitchens about the size of the room that you're planning. I asked for advice and was told much the same as that which is already posted. No 'give' in the floor is ideal.
Then I considered my time and money constraints. And, at least with my first floor, my abilities. And I said screw it, that's overkill. Professionals will use a concrete leveler subfloor (with the metal lath, etc). And they will do it perfect the first time, making it perfectly smooth and level, I've watched it be done in person, which is really what made me decide not to tackle it. I still think I'd have a hard time. Especially with a 20x20 room.
The floor I dealt with which had the most give was a t&g fir hardwood floor in a 80 year old house. It was beyond recovery as a nice hardwood floor. I used zinc deck screws to stop as much movement as possible, threw down a layer of 3/4 D grade plywood with another few pounds of deck screws, and went at it. It's been about 4 years now since that floor and there has been no problems. At least, it looks good when I visit it on holidays and the owners have not complained to me.
I've used 'wonderboard' as well, its pretty stiff and nice and thin. I still prefer to work with good old wood ply though.
I think I intially learned a fair bit from a home-improvement show called 'home-time'. They used to have a pretty good website. I also picked up a how-to book from a local tile store, which is invaluable. Can't recall the title, but it was a little old and by someone named Ramsey.
Oh, and careful chalk lines and little x spacers are a must.
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