Know the audience, too, and tailor your comments to fit. Practice talking about your book. Make a crib sheet with sound bites. Choose three or four points that you want to get across, no matter what. Have a number of interesting facts at your disposal.
Anecdotes work better than facts to catch and keep interest.
Role-play with a friend. You can t afford to be surprised on the air, especially if the host is known for trying to trip the guests up. If you are in a situation that turns hostile, keep your end of the conversation respectful, gently humorous, and professional, and try to relax. You ll appear more in control if you can roll with the punches than if you get tense and defensive. Keep it brief.